City of Cape Coral Awarded $6.5 Million for North 1 East Reclaimed Water Extension
December 4, 2025
The City of Cape Coral has been awarded $6.5 million from the Governor’s Office through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to support the North 1 Utilities Extension Project (UEP) East reclaimed water extension. This grant award will reduce the amount of local revenue needed to fund the North 1 East UEP to the City by $6.5 million while advancing reclaimed water infrastructure that supports improved water quality and long‑term sustainability.
The North 1 East UEP includes the construction of new utility infrastructure to provide central water, sewer, and irrigation services to properties in Northeast Cape Coral. The reclaimed water component is a key part of the City’s strategy to reduce reliance on the Mid-Hawthorn aquifer, where water levels are declining, by increasing the reuse of highly treated wastewater for irrigation and helping protect local water resources.
“The $6.5 million grant from the Governor’s Office and the Department of Environmental Protection is a tremendous benefit to Cape Coral,” said Mayor John Gunter. “This funding will help reduce the amount of local revenue needed to fund the North 1 East Utilities Extension Project and enhance our reclaimed water infrastructure, which protects water quality and supports the community’s long-term needs. Securing additional funding for our Utilities Extension Projects remains a top priority for City Council, and we will keep seeking every opportunity to lower costs for taxpayers.”
Statewide, the Governor’s Office has identified approximately $112 million in grants for water quality and alternative water supply projects, including about $50 million specifically for DEP Alternative Water Supply grant applications. Cape Coral’s award is part of this broader effort to strengthen Florida’s water resources and infrastructure.
The North 1 UEP is a multi-year initiative designed to bring utility services to thousands of parcels in Northeast Cape Coral, replacing septic systems and shallow wells with centralized utilities and expanding reclaimed water capacity for irrigation.
For more information about the Utilities Extension Project, including maps, timelines, and assessment details, visit the City’s UEP website at CapeCoral.gov/UEP/.