A $52M canal project is racing to keep pollution out of the St. Lucie River
The South Florida Water Management District is finishing a diversion canal to redirect polluted freshwater away from the St. Lucie Estuary — treating 'literally tons' of nutrients before they reach the river near Stuart.
If you live anywhere near the St. Lucie River, you know the drill: every wet season brings worries about discharges, algae, and a struggling estuary. A $52 million project aims to take some of the pressure off.
The South Florida Water Management District is finishing a roughly $52 million C-23-to-C-44 interconnect and diversion canal. The idea: redirect polluted freshwater away from the St. Lucie Estuary and into the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area, where nitrogen and phosphorus get removed before the water ever reaches the river.
Mark Perry of the Stuart-based Florida Oceanographic Society put it plainly, saying 'literally tons' of nutrients would be treated by the system.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026, making it one of the more tangible water-quality wins for the area in a while.
Why it matters for the 772: the health of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon affects everything here — fishing, boating, property values, and our reputation. Every project that keeps the water cleaner is a big deal for Martin County and beyond.