Dear Winter Springs Residents,

I’m committed to ensuring our community thrives, not just today but for generations to come. A vital part of this commitment is managing our water and wastewater services efficiently and sustainably.

Recent Developments & Upcoming Projects

• Wastewater Updates: We are progressing with significant upgrades to our wastewater facilities. Currently, the design and build phase is 40% complete, and we are exploring whether additional land acquisition is necessary or if existing sites can support the construction of two new wastewater plants.
• Stormwater Management: A comprehensive million-dollar study and rate analysis are underway. These efforts aim to identify new stormwater retrofits for neighborhoods developed before 1984, which lack adequate stormwater/retention facilities. An increase in stormwater rates will fund these essential improvements.
• Drinking Water Quality: Our drinking water meets all EPA standards. Efforts are now focused on enhancing the water’s taste and smell to ensure it remains pleasant and safe for all uses.
• Irrigation and Consumptive Use: Approximately three-quarters of Winter Springs uses potable water for irrigation. We are implementing reclaimed water lines to transition to non-potable water sourced from our wastewater plants for irrigation purposes. This shift is crucial as we currently exceed our Consumptive Use Permit (CUP) limits. We are working closely with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to resolve this by expanding reclaimed water usage and potentially reactivating the Lake Jesup Augmentation Plant to support irrigation during dry seasons. Learn more about our efforts with the Lake Jesup Augmentation Plant.
• Fire Hydrant Maintenance: An oversight led to a three-year lapse in fire hydrant inspections. We have since completed a thorough analysis and remediation of several non-operational fire hydrants across the city. Read about our fire hydrant maintenance efforts.
• Funding Through Penny Sales Tax: The revenue from the 2024 Penny Sales Tax is earmarked to support these critical infrastructure projects: 
  • Stormwater Rehabilitation City Wide $1,300,000
    • City wide surveying of the stormwater system to assess and implement a rehabilitation schedule. 
  • Tuskawilla Crossing Stormwater Pond Repair $1,500,000
    • Repair of stormwater pond due to berm failure. 
  • Wetland Park $700,000
    • Retrofit of current stormwater system that is discharging to Wetlands Park to alleviate flooding issues on Michael Blake Blvd. in the Winter Springs Village subdivision. 

Original Rate Study and Infrastructure Investments

In light of these updates, we revisited our comprehensive Rate Study, initially conducted to evaluate our current water and wastewater systems. This study highlighted the necessity for gradual rate adjustments to fund the infrastructure enhancements needed for our growing community while ensuring competitive rates compared to neighboring areas. These adjustments are vital for sustainable service provision and align with our long-term capital improvement plans. I understand that changes in rates can be a concern, which is why every decision is made with the utmost consideration for the community’s best interests.

Sediment Removal from Ponds 

Over the Summer of 2024; the City of Winter Springs removed sediment from stormwater pipe outfalls to restore functionality in five separate ponds within the City. The $169,000 project by Zulu Marine Services removed sediment buildup from the stormwater ponds to enhance its functionality. This is the first of five city-maintained ponds designated for this project. 

The 96 ponds throughout the city should start to be serviced, we approved the new vendor, SOLitude Lake Management. Therefore, a monthly service of maintenance and spraying will commence soon for Lake Ermine: Willa Lake B/W Ermine/Antelope, Deer Run & Wolverine Stormwater Ponds; etc….

Looking Ahead

As we continue to improve and expand our water and wastewater infrastructure, I’m committed to transparency and proactive communication. Together, we can ensure that Winter Springs remains a beautiful, efficient, and sustainable place to live.

Thank you for your continued trust and engagement.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2, Winter Springs