Clean, safe drinking water is one of the most important public services a city can provide. To help ensure that standard is upheld, the City of Winter Springs is implementing a new Cross-Connection Control Program to protect the city’s potable water system from contamination and maintain full compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations.

This program is a proactive step to prevent the risk of pollutants entering the drinking water supply through improper plumbing connections or system failures.

Understanding Cross-Connections and Backflow

A cross-connection is any physical link between a public or private drinking water system and a source of non-potable water, such as irrigation lines, industrial systems, or cooling systems.

When pressure changes occur in the system, water from these non-potable sources can sometimes reverse direction and flow back into the public supply. This phenomenon is known as backflow.

There are two main types of backflow:

• Backpressure backflow occurs when water pressure from a non-potable source exceeds the pressure of the potable system.
• Backsiphonage happens when negative pressure (a vacuum effect) pulls contaminants into the potable water line.

Both situations can introduce hazardous substances—such as chemicals, fertilizers, or bacteria—into the public water supply if not properly managed.

Goals of the Cross-Connection Control Program

The new cross-connection control program aims to proactively identify and manage potential hazards throughout the city’s water system. Its core objectives include:

• Identifying and Documenting HazardsLocating potential cross-connection and backflow risks at commercial, industrial, institutional, and select residential properties.
• Monitoring and Tracking Backflow TestingEnsuring all Backflow Preventer Assemblies are regularly tested, documented, and in compliance with city and state requirements.
• Establishing a Centralized DatabaseCreating a cloud-based system to store and manage inspection results, testing schedules, and compliance records. All data will remain the property of the City of Winter Springs.
• GIS Integration for Better AnalysisEnsuring the program’s data is compatible with ESRI ArcGIS/ArcMap for enhanced mapping and system-wide analysis of water infrastructure.
• Training and EducationProviding on-site training for city staff on cross-connection prevention fundamentals and proper program management.
• Program Review and OptimizationConducting a full evaluation of the City’s existing program and implementing improvements where necessary.

How the Program Works

The implementation process includes:

• Cross-Connection Surveys and Inspections: Field inspections will identify and document potential hazards throughout Winter Springs’ service area.
• Compliance Tracking: Each device will be logged into a Backflow Prevention Assembly Inventory with updated testing schedules.
• Property Owner Notifications: Building owners will receive reminders and compliance deadlines for upcoming inspections or corrective actions.
• Coordination with Certified Testers: Only qualified professionals will perform testing and repairs to ensure the highest safety standards.

These measures ensure that all backflow prevention devices are properly maintained, helping to protect the integrity of Winter Springs’ drinking water system.

Why It Matters

Cross-connection control may not be something residents think about every day, but it’s one of the most important safeguards in maintaining a clean, safe, and reliable water system.

By proactively managing backflow risks and maintaining strong oversight, Winter Springs is taking responsible action to protect public health and preserve water quality for generations to come.

— Victoria K. Bruce, City Commissioner, District 2

Why Winter Springs Is Shifting Away from Potable Water for Irrigation

In Winter Springs, protecting our drinking water supply is a growing priority, and one of the most effective ways to do that is by reducing how much potable water is used for irrigation.

According to the City’s latest water system data, there are:

• 441 non-residential water service connections
• 110 non-residential consumers using potable water for irrigation
• 458 residential properties using potable water for irrigation

That means hundreds of homes and businesses are currently watering lawns and landscapes with treated drinking water—water that has already gone through the costly process of purification.

Why This Matters

Using potable water for irrigation is one of the largest and most preventable sources of water waste in our community. Every gallon used to water lawns is a gallon of clean, drinkable water diverted from households and essential needs.

This practice puts unnecessary strain on our city’s infrastructure and water supply, especially as Florida continues to experience population growth and periods of drought.

What’s the Difference Between Potable and Non-Potable Water?

Potable water is safe to drink and meets all state and federal standards for human consumption. It’s been filtered and treated to remove contaminants and bacteria.

Non-potable water, on the other hand, is not safe to drink but can safely be used for purposes such as:

• Lawn and landscape irrigation
• Toilet flushing
• Industrial and commercial processes

The difference comes down to treatment level and intended use. By using non-potable water for irrigation, communities can conserve millions of gallons of drinking water each year.

Winter Springs’ Plan for Conservation

The City of Winter Springs is actively working to expand its non-potable irrigation network, known as the “purple pipe” system. This system delivers reclaimed water that is safe for irrigation but not intended for consumption.

As part of the City’s Water Works and Stormwater Master Plans, Winter Springs is evaluating opportunities to connect more neighborhoods and commercial areas to this system—reducing reliance on potable water for irrigation and promoting long-term water sustainability.

Why It’s Important for Residents

Conservation is about protecting our aquifer, reducing operating costs, and ensuring that future generations have access to a reliable, clean water supply.

As more neighborhoods gain access to reclaimed (non-potable) irrigation water, residents will benefit from lower demand on drinking water systems and a more resilient water infrastructure overall.

Every drop counts. By using the right type of water for the right purpose, Winter Springs can continue leading the way in sustainability and responsible water management.

—

Victoria K. Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2

Winter Springs, Florida

VictoriaForWinterSprings.com

Protecting Winter Springs from Flooding – August 2025 Stormwater Projects Update

At the August 11th City Commission Meeting, we received a detailed update on the City of Winter Springs stormwater projects, available grant opportunities, and the upcoming Stormwater Master Plan. These efforts are essential for keeping our neighborhoods safe, protecting our environment, and preparing for future storms.

Ongoing Stormwater Improvements

From repairing ponds and improving drainage systems to removing debris and sediment from our creeks, Winter Springs stormwater projects are addressing both current needs and long-term resilience:

• Pond & Creek Repairs – Restoring areas damaged by storms such as Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton.
• Flood Mitigation – Elevating flood-prone homes, floodproofing sanitary lift stations, and acquiring properties in high-risk areas.
• Neighborhood Drainage – Making improvements in Bear Creek Estates, Wetland Park, and Torcaso Park to reduce localized flooding.

Funding Through Grants

To offset project costs, the City is pursuing state and federal funding for Winter Springs stormwater projects, including:

• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Programs
• Florida’s Resilient Florida Funding
• NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection

Securing these grants allows us to complete vital work without placing an undue burden on taxpayers.

Stormwater Master Plan

The Winter Springs Stormwater Master Plan is on track for adoption this fall. This plan will:

• Prioritize future projects
• Estimate costs
• Strategically address problem areas

Public workshops will give residents a chance to ask questions and share feedback before final adoption.

I’m committed to ensuring Winter Springs stormwater projects are completed efficiently, transparently, and with a focus on long-term solutions. Protecting our homes, businesses, and natural resources from flooding isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about preserving the quality of life in Winter Springs for generations to come.

Let’s keep working together to protect our city.

State Appropriations Advance Water Quality and Conservation in Winter Springs

Winter Springs has received a major boost in our fight for cleaner, safer water and smarter conservation practices. Thanks to successful state appropriations, our city has secured $1.17 million in the State of Florida FY 2025–2026 Budget to fund three critical water infrastructure projects.

This progress would not be possible without the support of Rep. David Smith, Rep. Rachel Plakon, Senator Jason Brodeur and our state lobbyist Andrew Kalel! I’m deeply grateful for their advocacy and commitment to our community. I also want to recognize the leadership of City Manager Kevin Sweet and extend thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing off on this investment in our city’s future.

Here’s what these state appropriations will support:

1. Potable Water Tray Aerator Improvements – $750,000

This project will upgrade aging tray aerators at three of our Water Treatment Plants. Aerators increase dissolved oxygen in water, which helps:

• Reduce contaminants
• Improve water taste
• Enhance system efficiency
• Extend the lifespan of critical equipment

These improvements directly support our mission to raise the bar for water quality and resident satisfaction.

2. Winter Springs Blvd Potable Valve Addition – $40,000

Currently, if a single portion of the potable water main along Winter Springs Boulevard is compromised, the entire system must be shut down. These funds will add isolation valves to allow for targeted repairs, minimizing service disruptions for residents and improving system resilience.

3. Michael Blake Blvd Reclaimed Water Main Extension – $380,000

This funding will extend the reclaimed water loop from Michael Blake Boulevard to SR 434. It will open access to reclaimed irrigation water for:

• Winter Springs Village
• Seminole Crossings
• The Blake Apartments

As we face growing demands on our potable water supply, it is essential that we expand reclaimed water use for irrigation. Winter Springs currently exceeds its Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) limits—conservation through infrastructure is key.

Why This Matters

These projects represent a meaningful step toward infrastructure modernization, environmental protection, and smart water use. They align with our broader goals under the Water Works program, which aims to replace failing systems, reduce aquifer withdrawals, and improve service reliability citywide.

As your City Commissioner, I will continue advocating for forward-thinking investment and policy that strengthens our community. These appropriations are proof that when we show up, speak up, and work together—we can secure real results.

Let’s keep raising the standard for water quality in Winter Springs.

Victoria K. Bruce

Commissioner, District 2

Winter Springs, Florida

Visit victoriaforwintersprings.com

Raising the Bar for Water Quality in Winter Springs: A Tuscawilla-Focused Call to Action

As your City Commissioner, I’ve made water—drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater—a cornerstone of my service since my election in 2022. Living in the heart of the Lake Jesup basin, with the Tri-County water system’s canals and streams flowing through our city, we have a unique responsibility to protect our water resources. In Tuscawilla, home to the Tuscawilla Country Club and near the Winter Springs West Wastewater Treatment Plant, we see firsthand the challenges of maintaining clean water amidst golf course runoff and aging infrastructure.

While our latest 2024 Water Quality Report confirms that Winter Springs’ drinking water meets all state and federal regulations, compliance is just the starting point. We must advocate for higher standards, better maintenance practices, greater accountability, and safer water for our community. Today, I’m sharing why this matters, what’s at stake, and how we can work together to ensure a healthier future for Tuscawilla and beyond.

Why Water Matters in Tuscawilla

Winter Springs sits in a delicate ecosystem. Our drinking water comes from the Upper Floridan Aquifer, a deep source (100–500 feet) that’s safer than shallow wells but not immune to contamination. The Tuscawilla Country Club, a beloved community landmark since 1971, uses fertilizers and pesticides that can leach through our sandy Myakka and Immokalee soils into groundwater or nearby ponds, which connect to Lake Jesup.

The Winter Springs West Wastewater Treatment Plant, operating for nearly 50 years off Winter Springs Blvd., produces reclaimed water for irrigation but has faced maintenance challenges, raising concerns about potential spills of nitrates, pathogens, or pharmaceuticals. These issues hit close to home in Tuscawilla, where homes in Country Club Village, Greens at Tuscawilla, and Tuskawilla Crossings are near these facilities.

The Lake Jesup basin, one of Florida’s most nutrient-impaired watersheds, receives runoff from our city’s ponds, creeks, and canals, part of the Tri-County system linking Seminole, Orange, and Volusia counties. Algae blooms and fish kills, like those addressed in the 1994 Lake Jesup Act, remind us of the stakes. Our 96 stormwater ponds, including those in Deer Run and Tuskawilla Crossings, are critical for managing runoff, but failures like the 2023 Tuskawilla Crossings pond collapse ($1.5 million repair) show we’re not doing enough.

As your Commissioner, I believe we can’t settle for “good enough” when our health, environment, and quality of life are on the line.

The Current State: Compliant, But Not Complacent

I’m pleased to share that our 2024 Water Quality Report confirms Winter Springs’ drinking water meets all EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards, with no violations for contaminants like nitrates (EPA limit: 10 mg/L) or pathogens. Our three water treatment plants use aeration and chlorination to ensure safety, and we’ve upgraded Water Treatment Plant No. 1 to increase capacity by 30% and reduce chlorine use by 60%. These are wins worth celebrating.

However, compliance doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. The Winter Springs West Wastewater Treatment Plant has faced serious issues. A January 2025 FDEP warning letter cited violations for excessive suspended solids, fecal coliform, and nitrates, posing risks to reclaimed water used for irrigation in Tuscawilla (e.g., along Tuscora Drive) and potentially our groundwater. These follow a 2022 sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) of 750 gallons at the East plant and 2021 fecal coliform violations, signaling systemic maintenance problems across our aging wastewater facilities.

The Tuscawilla Country Club, while not recently cited for spills, applies chemicals that can leach into the surficial aquifer (10–50 feet) or the Upper Floridan Aquifer via karst fractures in our limestone bedrock, especially during heavy rains or irrigation.

Stormwater is another weak link. The 2023 Tuskawilla Crossings pond failure sent runoff into wetlands, highlighting deferred maintenance and poor design from past development. Our 96 ponds, now serviced by SOLitude Lake Management, need consistent upkeep to prevent flooding and nutrient pollution in Lake Jesup. These challenges, combined with our high-recharge sandy soils, mean contaminants could reach our drinking water source in years to decades—not the 100 years some claim.

A Call for Higher Standards and Accountability

Meeting minimum regulations isn’t enough for Tuscawilla. We need a proactive vision for safer water that protects our health and environment. Here’s what I’m advocating for:

1. Higher Water Quality Standards:

• Push for stricter local limits on nitrates and pesticides in drinking and reclaimed water, beyond EPA/FDEP minimums, to safeguard our Floridan Aquifer.
• Monitor emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals from wastewater, which current regulations don’t fully address. The FDEP’s 2025 PFAS monitoring mandate is a start, but we should lead, not follow.
• Enhance taste and smell of our drinking water, as outlined in our 2024 Penny Sales Tax projects, to ensure it’s not just safe but pleasant.

2. Improved Maintenance Practices:

• Accelerate upgrades to the West Wastewater Treatment Plant under the Water Works program, replacing 50-year-old infrastructure to prevent spills like the 2022 SSO.
• Enforce regular maintenance of our 96 stormwater ponds, learning from the Tuskawilla Crossings failure. Our million-dollar stormwater study must prioritize retrofits for pre-1984 neighborhoods like parts of Tuscawilla.
• Partner with the Tuscawilla Country Club to adopt slow-release fertilizers and no-spray zones near ponds, reducing chemical leaching.

3. Greater Accountability:

• Demand transparency from Veolia, our wastewater contractor, on compliance failures (e.g., 2025 violations). Residents deserve timely reports, not after-the-fact warnings.
• Increase FDEP oversight and fines for violations, redirecting penalties to pollution prevention projects in Winter Springs, as required by the 2021 Consent Order.
• Engage the Tuscawilla Homeowners Association (THOA) to hold the golf club and city accountable for environmental stewardship.

4. Safer Water for All:

• Expand reclaimed water lines to reduce potable water use for irrigation, as 75% of Winter Springs exceeds our Consumptive Use Permit. The SR 434 reclaimed main project, serving Tuskawilla Crossings, is a model to replicate.
• Protect Lake Jesup by supporting the Basin Management Action Plan to reduce nutrient inflows, ensuring our canals and streams don’t add to algae blooms.
• Invest in green infrastructure (e.g., rain gardens, bioswales) to manage stormwater on-site, keeping pollutants out of our waterways.

What This Means for Tuscawilla

In Tuscawilla, our proximity to the golf course and wastewater plant puts us on the front lines. Fertilizer runoff from the Tuscawilla Country Club risks nutrient pollution in Bear Creek and local ponds, which recharge our aquifers. The West Wastewater Plant’s violations threaten the reclaimed water irrigating our lawns, potentially seeping into groundwater. Past incidents—like the 2015 boil water notice in Greens at Tuscawilla and the 2023 pond failure—show we can’t be reactive. Our children play in these neighborhoods, our families drink this water, and our future depends on acting now.

How You Can Help

As Tuscawilla residents, your voice is powerful. Here’s how to join me in this fight:

• Attend City Commission Meetings: Share your concerns at our next meeting (July 14, 2025, 6:30 PM, City Hall) or the THOA meeting (September 11, 2025, Tuscawilla Country Club). Demand accountability for water quality.
• Monitor Local Waterways: Report algae blooms or odors in ponds, Bear Creek, or Lake Jesup to FDEP (1-800-320-0519). Use the Seminole County Water Atlas (seminole.wateratlas.usf.edu) to track conditions.
• Engage with the Golf Club: Contact Tuscawilla Country Club (407-366-1211) to urge sustainable practices like integrated pest management. Join THOA to amplify this push.
• Support Infrastructure Funding: Back the 2024 Penny Sales Tax renewal and proposed rate adjustments to fund our $166 million Capital Improvement Program, including new wastewater plants and stormwater retrofits.
• Protect Your Property: Use fertilizers sparingly, maintain septic systems, and install rain barrels to reduce runoff. Visit www.stormwaterpartners.com for tips.
• Stay Informed: Check our 2024 Water Quality Report at www.winterspringsfl.org and follow my updates at victoriaforwintersprings.com for the latest on water projects.

A Commitment to You

As your Commissioner, I’m committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable solutions. The Water Works program, with a $166 million budget, is replacing our failing wastewater plants, optimizing water treatment, and expanding reclaimed water lines. We’ve secured $18 million in ARPA funds and are seeking state revolving fund loans to minimize rate impacts. But we need your partnership to hold contractors like Veolia accountable, push the golf club for better practices, and invest in our future.

Together, we can make Winter Springs a model for clean water in the Lake Jesup basin. Let’s raise the bar for safety, protect our Tri-County waterways, and ensure Tuscawilla remains a vibrant, healthy place to call home.

Reach out to me at victoria@winterspringsfl.org or 407-327-1800 with your ideas, and let’s keep the conversation going.

At the heart of Winter Springs is our commitment to clean, safe, and sustainable water for all residents. The recently released 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report offers a transparent look at the status of our local water supply—and I want to break down the highlights and share where we’re excelling and where we must do better.

✅ What’s Going Right: Commitment to Quality

Winter Springs draws its water from the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive groundwater sources in the United States. Our city operates three water treatment plants supplied by eight groundwater wells, delivering an average of 4.447 million gallons of water daily to over 14,000 connections across the city.

Here are some positive highlights from the report:

No MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) violations were reported for key contaminants such as Nitrate, Barium, Fluoride, and Sodium.

All disinfection byproducts, including Chlorine, were within safe levels and comply with federal standards.

The city continues making infrastructure upgrades—recent investments include new pumps, backup power systems, and hydraulic improvements to protect water quality long-term.

⚠️ Areas of Concern: Unregulated Contaminants & Monitoring Lead

While our water meets all required federal and state standards, residents deserve full transparency about some potential concerns:

1. Unregulated Contaminants: PFAS Chemicals

Detected in the 2024 testing were:

PFOA (0.0048 ppb)

PFOS (0.0060 ppb)

PFPeA (0.0038 ppb)

These are PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)—chemicals that can build up in the body over time and are associated with adverse health effects. Although not currently regulated at federal levels, the presence of PFAS is concerning and I am committed to advocating for stronger protections and regular public updates.

2. Lead in Tap Water

While no samples exceeded the EPA’s action level, the 90th percentile result for lead was 0.60 ppb, and some results showed lead presence up to 0.0014 ppm. Lead can enter drinking water from household plumbing systems, not the city’s infrastructure, which is why education is essential.

If you are concerned about lead in your home’s plumbing, I urge you to:

Run your tap water for 30–60 seconds before use

Use certified water filters

Contact the City of Winter Springs for a water test: 407-327-1800

🌿 Water Conservation Efforts Matter

More than 50% of residential water use comes from irrigation. Let’s work together to reduce this.

➡️ Irrigation is restricted to specific days based on your address (see chart on page 4 of the report).

➡️ Free irrigation audits are available to help you save water and money.

🗣️ Let’s Stay Informed and Involved

We are blessed with access to clean groundwater, but we must remain vigilant. The city’s ongoing upgrades, monitoring, and community engagement are vital to maintaining safe drinking water for every household.

📞 Questions? Call 407-327-1800 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)

📑 View the full 2024 Water Quality Report shared here and also available at: winterspringsfl.org

I am here to represent you.

As your Commissioner, I remain committed to transparent communication, fiscally responsible investments, and advocacy for sustainable solutions—especially when it comes to our environment and public health.

Together, let’s protect what makes Winter Springs such a special place to call home.

—

Victoria K. Bruce

Winter Springs Commissioner, District 2