The City of Lakeland has received nearly $1 million in state funding to improve water quality at Lake Morton, home to the city’s famous royal swans and a wide variety of waterfowl.

The $994,401 grant will fund advanced technology designed to lower nutrient levels, curb harmful algal blooms, and address long-standing nutrient buildup in the lake. Officials say the effort will encourage the return of aquatic vegetation, improve overall water health, and create stronger habitat for wildlife.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approved a Nutrient Reduction Plan for Lake Morton in 2021 after water testing showed it exceeded state nutrient standards. That plan requires the city to take specific steps to restore water quality.

At its Sept. 2 meeting, the Lakeland City Commission authorized the agreement with FDEP to move forward with the grant.

Laurie Smith, the city’s Manager of Lakes and Stormwater, said the ultimate goal is to use the same mobile water treatment system at other lakes across Lakeland. The system pumps lake water through patented nutrient-reducing filters before returning it, cleaner, to the lake.

“We’re excited to showcase this cutting-edge technology to combat algae blooms and enhance surface water quality across our city lakes,” Smith said. “Its flexibility allows us to adapt it to different lakes, expand or reduce its size as needed, and relocate it easily to other areas.”

Work on the project is expected to begin in early 2026 and continue through May 2029.

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(Image credit: Lee’s Birdwatching)

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