June Water News
- CWC
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Clean Water Coalition Celebrates Major Victory
with $255,000 Grant from
Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
The Clean Water Coalition is excited to announce we have been awarded an additional $255,000 grant from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program! This funding will allow us to continue assisting homeowners make the transition from septic systems to sewer connection. Our target population is defined by the United Way as ALICE – (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or more simply defined as homeowners who simply can’t afford the out-of-pocket expense to connect.
We extend our gratitude to the City of Vero Beach, whose collaboration and support has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Their partnership demonstrates the power of local government working hand-in-hand with community organizations to solve real problems for real families.
This achievement wouldn't have been possible without our community partners. Working alongside the Indian River Land Trust, the Indian River Community Foundation, the Economic Opportunity Council, we have already assisted over 40 families. Every septic-to-sewer connection brings us closer to a clean Lagoon, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for all.
Integrated Water Management Plan
Indian River County Department of Utility Services staff held the first of four Stakeholders Meetings on June12th in support of development of the County’s Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) under development by HDR, the County’s consultant. This first introductory meeting included environmental groups including CWC, IRNA, PIAS and others; comparable meetings are to be subsequently held with other stakeholder groups.
At this initial meeting:
County staff identified that the IWMP:
is focused on County projects for potable water, wastewater, and reuse water within the purview and self-supporting finances of County Utilities;
will follow the US Environmental Protection Agency framework for “Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning” - including input from other County Departments including the Stormwater Division ”to evaluate synergies” as identified in HDR’s Scope of Services.
CWC espoused that:
The IWMP should address all County water resources, which are significantly impacted by County, municipal, and private water infrastructure.
To optimize the IWMP results, the County Commission should empower other County Departments to participate in the IWMP to identify potential joint projects to improve the quality of County water resources.
CWC will continue to participate in stakeholder meetings towards IWMP development. A public meeting is expected to be held near the end of July. For more information see the County’s website: Developing the One Water System Roadmap
From June 1 to September 30: Be a Lagoon Champion.
Using less water and avoiding fertilizers helps protect the Indian River Lagoon by reducing harmful runoff that carries pollutants into the water. Excess fertilizer fuels algae blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm fish, seagrass, and other marine life. Conserving water also reduces pressure on stormwater systems, keeping more pollution out of the lagoon.
By making these simple changes, you become a good neighbor to the lagoon helping preserve its beauty and health for wildlife, your community, and future generations. Many locals, from west of town to the barrier island, have embraced this effort by planting Florida native gardens, with some even transforming their entire yards. Consider replacing turf grass or high-maintenance plants with Florida natives, which require less water, no fertilizer, and provide vital habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Every native plant you add helps restore the natural balance and strengthens the lagoon resilience.
Pelican Island Audubon Society Plants Another Florida Native Garden!
A new Florida Native Plant Education and Demonstration Garden was planted at the Vero Beach Main Post Office on 13th Ave by Pelican Island Audubon Society in partnership with the Eugenia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The objective is to show the public that Florida native plants are beautiful and do not require fertilizers or pesticides while using less of our drinking water for irrigation. Special thanks to the 20 volunteers who planted the gardens with 179 Florida native plants of 8 different species. This is the 5th demonstration garden in our county planted by Pelican Island Audubon. The others are at the entrances to the Indian River County Administration Building A, Up Against Poverty, the Beach Post Office, and Vero Beach Elementary School.
Seagrass Restoration
Images courtesy of IRLNEP.
Indian River County is launching ambitious seagrass restoration projects to help replenish vital vegetation in the Indian River Lagoon, which has lost more than 60% of its seagrass beds since the 1940s. Workers are currently planting thousands of seagrass sprouts in Big Slough, a 13-acre section of the lagoon, with a second 10-acre project planned for Preachers Hole in late June. The county has deployed over 300 protective steel mesh cages to shield the delicate plantings from marine life while they mature, and staff will maintain the sites monthly.
This restoration effort is part of a broader $9.4 million initiative funded by NOAA's Transformational Habitat Restoration grants, with Indian River County receiving over $1 million for these critical projects. The seagrass beds serve as vital nurseries for young fish and crustaceans while providing food for manatees and sea turtles, making their restoration essential for the lagoon's ecosystem recovery after decades of damage from pollution and algal blooms.
Click here to read the full article at Vero News.
Former CWC President Makes Waves in Maine
Former CWC President Paul Fafeita is keeping busy in his retirement to Maine. Having survived his first few winters, it was nice to see that Paul is still sharing his love of fishing!
Paul recently chaired the Kiwanis Club of Dover Foxcroft's annual "Hooked on Fishing - not Drugs" event. More than 50 local fourth graders participated in the fishing day at Kiwanis Park. Each child was able to catch and keep two trout to take home for dinner. Local high school Key The kids went home with new fishing gear provided by CCA Florida and the Retired Maine Wardens Association.
The Devil’s Element:
Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance
by Dan Egan
Phosphorus has played a critical role in some of the most lethal substances on earth: firebombs, rat poison, nerve gas. But it’s also the key component of one of the most vital substances: fertilizer. Over the past century, phosphorus has made farming vastly more productive, feeding the enormous increase in the human population. Yet, as Egan harrowingly reports, our over-reliance on this vital crop nutrient is today causing toxic algae blooms and “dead zones” in waterways from the coasts of Florida to the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes and beyond. Diminishing access to phosphorus poses a threat to the food system worldwide—which risks rising conflict and even war.
Brooke Malone, co-founder of Walking Tree Brewery, has created Gilded Kilroy IPA to raise funds for ORCA's water monitoring sensors in the Indian River Lagoon, generating over $4,000 in 2025. The beer is named after ORCA's "Kilroy" sensors that monitor lagoon pollution 24/7, referencing the famous WWII "Kilroy was here" graffiti that symbolized someone watching and being present. Each can links to live water quality data, turning beer drinkers into citizen scientists while supporting Dr. Edie Widder's conservation work through real-time environmental monitoring. Read more here.
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