OKEECHOBEE 

Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake, played a crucial role in the Everglades ecosystem, as its water flowed naturally into these wetlands. However, the construction of canals and levees in the 20th century to control flooding and facilitate agriculture altered this flow, reducing the supply of freshwater to the Everglades. This led to habitat loss, affected biodiversity, and allowed saltwater intrusion, degrading water quality. Restoration projects are currently underway to restore natural flow and protect both the Everglades and drinking water sources in South Florida.