Florida plans 4,800-acre wetland project to filter phosphorus
The South Florida Water Management District aims to reduce pollution flowing into Lake Okeechobee using a new treatment area.
The South Florida Water Management District is developing a 4,800-acre wetland project near the mouth of the Kissimmee River. Known as the Lower Kissimmee Basin Stormwater Treatment and Recreation Area, the project intends to lower phosphorus levels entering Lake Okeechobee.
The proposed system will be located approximately three miles upstream from the lake. It is designed to capture stormwater from parts of the watershed that show high levels of pollution and phosphorus concentrations.
The district plans to direct polluted water through treatment areas where aquatic plants and wetland soils can absorb and hold excess nutrients. This process is intended to address pollution before it reaches the lake.
The South Florida Water Management District described the initiative as one of the largest water quality projects planned north of Lake Okeechobee. The project is also expected to provide recreational opportunities and maintain flood protection for local communities.
The project has been under development since 2019. In February 2026, the district purchased the property and executed the contract.
A public meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2026, to discuss the project plan and construction timelines.