safety
The Everglades Foundation says Everglades has drought-level water shortages, fueling wildfires
By Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
The Everglades are facing significant water shortages, a condition experts say is fueling deep-burning wildfires across South Florida.The "River of Grass" marshes, typically lush with water, are now characterized by cracked mud. On Thursday, low water lines were visible throughout the area, a stark
Key takeaway While the current conditions are severe, Mislow said the terrain was even drier when he navigated the area for CBS News Miami on June 21.
Why this matters in The Miami
The severe water shortages in the Everglades pose a significant threat to Miami-Dade County, where the effects of drought and wildfires can be felt beyond the immediate area. The cracked mud and low water lines in the "River of Grass" marshes are a stark reminder of the delicate balance of the ecosystem, which is closely tied to the health and safety of local communities. As wildfires spread across Broward and Miami-Dade counties, residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood may face increased air quality concerns and health risks. Furthermore, the drought's impact on local flora and fauna, including alligators, can have long-term consequences for the environment and economy of Miami, a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities that rely on the Everglades for recreation and tourism. The ongoing reservoir project south of Lake Okeechobee offers some hope, but its success hinges on significant precipitation, making the region's weather patterns a crucial factor in mitigating the effects of the drought.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Everglades are facing significant water shortages, a condition experts say is fueling deep-burning wildfires across South Florida.The "River of Grass" marshes, typically lush with water, are now characterized by cracked mud. On Thursday, low water lines were visible throughout the area, a stark
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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