Brevard County officials have begun testing a new method to reduce pollution in the county's network of lagoons, which have long been a source of environmental and public health concerns. The initiative, announced earlier this month, is part of a broader effort to address nutrient runoff and algal blooms that have plagued waterways in the Space Coast region.
The lagoons, which serve as stormwater retention basins in several communities, have faced criticism for their role in discharging untreated wastewater into nearby water bodies. County environmental staff said the new approach involves modifying the lagoons' aeration systems to improve water quality and reduce the accumulation of harmful algae.
Residents in areas like Cocoa and Palm Bay have raised concerns about the odor and health risks associated with the lagoons for years. Local officials said the pilot program, which is being monitored by the county's environmental services department, could take up to six months to evaluate its effectiveness.
The project comes as part of a $2.3 million state grant awarded to Brevard County in 2023 to improve water management infrastructure. County Commissioner Jeff Martin said the goal is to find a solution that balances the need for stormwater control with environmental protection.
The results of the test will inform whether the county expands the method to other lagoons in the coming years. Updates are expected to be shared at the next public works meeting on April 12.