WATCH: Florida Gov. DeSantis in Melbourne to Announce Completion of Brevard Canal Restoration to Improve Lagoon Water Quality

initiative designed to protect the Indian River Lagoon and restore natural freshwater flows to the St. Johns River

WATCH: Gov. Ron DeSantis was on the Space Coast Monday morning to mark the completion of the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal restoration project in Brevard County, a major water quality initiative designed to protect the Indian River Lagoon and restore natural freshwater flows to the St. Johns River.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Gov. Ron DeSantis was on the Space Coast Monday morning to mark the completion of the Crane Creek/M-1 Canal restoration project in Brevard County, a major water quality initiative designed to protect the Indian River Lagoon and restore natural freshwater flows to the St. Johns River.

Speaking at the Front Street Civic Center in Melbourne, DeSantis highlighted the century-old challenges posed by the M-1 Canal, originally constructed to control flooding.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis Lambert, who joined the governor for the announcement, underscored the project’s environmental impact.

“Every year, this system will move 2.5 billion gallons of water through the stormwater treatment area, removing roughly 24,000 pounds of nitrogen and 3,100 pounds of phosphorus — about the same as taking a dump truck full of harmful nutrients out of our waterways,” Lambert said.

While effective for flood prevention, the canal altered natural water movement between the St. Johns River and the Indian River Lagoon, allowing nutrient-laden stormwater from more than 5,300 acres across Melbourne, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, and unincorporated parts of the county to flow directly into the lagoon.

The excess nutrients have fueled harmful algae blooms, degrading habitat and water quality.

“This project is about protecting water quality, preserving wildlife, and safeguarding the way of life for communities that depend on these waterways,” DeSantis said. “We’ve done more for the Indian River Lagoon than any administration in Florida’s history, and we’re proud of that record.”

The multi-phase restoration effort included the construction of two pump stations, two pipeline force mains, and a stormwater treatment area.

The improvements are expected to reduce nutrient pollution, restore about 7 million gallons of freshwater flow per day to the St. Johns River, and provide an alternative water source for downstream users.

The Crane Creek/M-1 Canal project is part of ongoing state efforts to restore and protect two of Florida’s most ecologically significant waterways: the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River.

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