Clean Water for Winter Springs
Key Drinking Water Quality Statistics
0
City Operated Wells Tapped Into The Floridan Aquifer
100
Miles of Pipe Carrying Drinking Water
Wastewater vs Drinking Water:
Different, Distinct & Disconnected Systems
Did you know that our systems for treating wastewater and drinking water are entirely separate and independent? That’s right — what happens in one system does not affect the other system. In Winter Springs, we enjoy top-notch drinking water that’s been thoroughly tested and approved by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection. This drinking water system is completely and totally separate from the aging wastewater treatment system, which is now undergoing a massive overhaul. To learn more about Winter Springs’ wastewater treatment system and how we’re improving it, please read on.
2021 Wastewater Release | What Happened & How It’s Been Fixed
Fast-Tracked Investments in Local Water Infrastructure
Mechanical Failure
Overdue maintenance led to a mechanical failure, which resulted in partially-treated wastewater entering one of the city’s permitted stormwater ponds.
Upgrading Our Pipes
Winter Springs has invested millions of dollars — and will invest millions more — to improve local water infrastructure. Today, three wastewater treatment plants are fully operational, and a fourth is undergoing long-needed refurbishment.
Preventing Future Releases
We’re working with top scientists and engineers to update Winter Springs’ aging wastewater treatment infrastructure, increase storage capacity and install new valves and pipes.
Winter Springs Water
Myths & Misconceptions
Myth:
Drinking water & wastewater streams are connected and use the same pipes.
Fact:
Just like the tap water and wastewater (toilets, shower, dishwasher, etc) systems in your home, Winter Springs’ drinking water and wastewater systems operate completely independently of each other. Both systems have dedicated treatment systems, pumps and pipes — and they never cross streams. This means that drinking water quality will never be affected by wastewater treatment or systems.
Myth:
Your tap water’s taste is related to quality.
Fact:
Everyone wants their water to taste good. At times — like if you’ve been away from home for a while and haven’t run your water — fixtures, pipes or normal substances used to purify drinking water may contribute to the taste of your water. This is not a health threat and has no impact on the quality of your drinking water.
Myth:
Sewage was dumped into a freshwater lake.
Fact:
Partially treated wastewater spilled into a permitted stormwater retention pond.
Myth:
DEP’s “Consent Order” proves that the city made mistakes.
Fact:
A Consent Order indicates that the state has reviewed and agrees with the city’s water infrastructure repair plan and “orders” the city to continue implementing their plan.
Myth:
The 2021 water release was the result of short-term mismanagement.
Fact:
Winter Springs’ Public Works department recommended replacement of the aging wastewater treatment plants in 2009. However, prior administrations deferred regular maintenance and inspections for many years, and the City’s wastewater infrastructure became severely degraded, culminating in the 2021 water release.
Today, things are different: Winter Springs has a plan and city officials who are committed to upgrading and modernizing Winter Springs’ water infrastructure. In May 2022, the City approved a wastewater master plan and design concepts to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure that will serve the city well into the future.
