During the June 7 Sarasota County Board of County Commission meeting, the board awarded the construction contract for the Dona Bay Watershed Restoration Project Phase 2, Surface Water Storage Facility.  

As part of the board’s commitment to water quality and preserving local water sheds, Phase 2 of the Dona Bay project will help improve water quality in the Venice area by reducing excessive nutrients and sediments that are transported in freshwater runoff into Dona Bay. The Surface Water Storage Facility project includes construction of approximately 1.5 miles of 72-inch pipeline that will deliver water from the Dona Bay Phase 1 wetland rehydration area to an existing 364-acre lake.  

Construction of the pipeline is anticipated to begin later this year.

ABOUT THE DONNA BAY WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT

In 2007, with collaboration from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota County developed a multi-phased plan to restore the natural systems of the Dona Bay watershed.  

Phase 1, completed in 2017, diverted surface waters from Cow Pen Canal to a control and storage structure to remove more than 18,000 pounds of nitrogen each year to restore the natural flow of fresh/saltwater.   

Working in tandem, phases one and two will retain up to 80 percent of the annual freshwater load and help replenish the water table (surficial aquifer) in the project area. Through comprehensive watershed management practices, these efforts will provide a more appropriate balance of salt and fresh water in Dona Bay, reduce harmful algal blooms, and support a healthier estuary system.   

As funding becomes available, the project will continue to move through phases three, four, five and six. Learn more by dialing 3-1-1.