The Hidden Wall Protecting the Everglades and Miami-Dade Communities
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
April x, 2026
Miami-Dade has a hidden Everglades restoration tool. A project that quietly improves water flow to the ecosystem and protects communities from flooding – all while escaping our sight. But how? This is the story of the underground wall protecting the Everglades.
What is the Seepage Wall Project?
Beneath Miami-Dade County, engineers have constructed a 7-mile-long, 26-inch-wide, and up to 60-foot-deep underground wall with the simple mission of keeping water in Everglades National Park.
With plans starting in 2021 and groundbreaking for construction starting in 2022, this seepage wall prevents freshwater from escaping through the region’s porous limestone into nearby neighborhoods. By keeping more water inside Everglades National Park, the wall not only supports restoration goals – it also helps reduce flooding risk in surrounding communities.
It’s an innovative approach to water management that’s nearly invisible, but essential for people and nature to live in harmony.
What is the History Behind the Seepage Wall?
The land in Northeast Shark River Slough, historically part of the Everglades, was once privately owned and used for agriculture. In 1989, that changed with the East Everglades Expansion Act, which aimed to protect that land by making it part of Everglades National Park.
But as restoration projects began to reestablish the park’s historic water flow, planners recognized a major challenge: How can we restore water to the area without flooding the neighborhoods already built near Northeast Shark River Slough?
The solution was underground. Starting with just a 2.3-mile section, the seepage wall’s success led the project to eventually expand to more than 7 miles in length. This, combined with the 5 miles of seepage barrier previously constructed along the park’s eastern boundary just south of Tamiami Trail, totals more than 12 miles of underground walls protecting communities and restoration flows.
How does the Seepage Wall Support Everglades Restoration and Miami Communities?
Recharging the Biscayne Bay Aquifer and Rehydrating Wetlands: By preventing water loss underground, the seepage barriers allow for higher water levels inside Everglades National Park, helping rehydrate wetlands and recharging the Biscayne Bay Aquifer, which provides drinking water to South Florida.
Flood Protection: At the same time, the seepage wall protects local communities from flood risks – particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The wall helps meet Everglades restoration goals, ensuring that restoration progress continues while keeping residents safe.
When Will the Seepage Wall Project Be Complete?
The seepage barrier is complete and is already delivering benefits. However, Miami-Dade’s seepage wall will continue to play an essential role in protecting the park and Florida Bay ecosystem, in turn making South Florida more resilient long past the completion of Everglades restoration.
These structures serve as a reminder that when restoration works, nature and people thrive.
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