Winter Springs Water and Stormwater Projects Explained

A lot of what a city does happens quietly in the background. The water that shows up when you turn the tap, and the ponds that hold rainwater during a storm. Most of us only think about these things when something goes wrong. Lately there has been a lot of conversation in Winter Springs about wastewater and stormwater rates, so here is a plain-language look at what is actually driving those changes and where the money is going.

Wastewater plants

The city is replacing two wastewater treatment plants that have not been replaced in more than 50 years. Both plants were purchased used, and the replacement project is expected to cost more than $100 million. A rate study looked at how much debt this work will put the city into, and the resulting increase is being passed on to utility customers to cover that cost.

Stormwater funds

The stormwater enterprise fund is meant to operate on its own, without help from the city's general fund. For years, it has not. The fund has been running at a deficit of roughly $500,000 a year, with the general fund covering the difference just to keep existing service running.

In 2022, the stormwater rate was $5 a month. A recent rate study concluded that a phased increase over five years is needed to properly fund pond maintenance, pipe repairs, and the infrastructure work required to reduce flooding risk. The goal is for the stormwater fund to become self-sustaining and to build up the crews, equipment, and pond maintenance program the city has been without.

The city is also pursuing grants and Seminole County Penny Sales Tax funding to help cover this work, rather than relying on rate increases alone.

A simple way to lower your water bill

One thing residents can do on their end: check your irrigation. Make sure your rain sensor is actually working, and water no more than twice a week, at night. It is a small change that can noticeably lower a water bill.

Stormwater projects underway or planned

Here is a look at the stormwater-related projects currently in progress or planned, along with their estimated costs or the city's grant match:

• Tuskawilla Crossings Pond 1 Repairs and Restoration — estimated $2,500,000. The city will advertise for bids once it receives its SJRWMD permit.
• Wetland Park Outfall Improvements — estimated $1,500,000. Also awaiting the SJRWMD permit before bidding.
• Gee Creek Slope Stabilization at Moss Park — city match of $190,000 through an NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection grant. Currently under construction.
• Hurricane Milton Creek Debris Removal — fully grant funded through NRCS, no city match. Currently out to bid.
• Hurricane Milton Sediment Removal — fully grant funded through NRCS, no city match. Currently out to bid.
• Police Station Safe Room — city match of $600,000 through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant. Awaiting the final signed agreement from FEMA.
• Public Works Permanent Generator — city match of $185,000 through FEMA HMGP. Awaiting final agreement.
• Flood Proofing 12 Sanitary Sewer Lift Stations — city match of $1,200,000 through FEMA HMGP. Awaiting final agreement.
• Acquisition and Demolition of 1 Flood Prone Home — city match of $90,600 through FEMA HMGP. Awaiting final agreement.
• Elevation of 3 Flood Prone Homes — city match of $125,000 through FEMA HMGP. Awaiting final agreement.
• Shore Road and Alton Road Culvert Improvements at Gee Creek — estimated $750,000. Future project.
• Gee Creek Channel Improvements between Shore Road and Alton Road — estimated $250,000. Future project.
• Alton Road Culvert Improvements at No Name Creek — estimated $250,000. Future project.
• Northern Way and Bear Creek Estates Storm Sewer Improvements — estimated $200,000. Future project.
• Future drainage projects under the Kimley-Horn Stormwater Master Plan — estimated $5,000,000.

Altogether, these projects add up to roughly $13,000,000 in planned or in-progress stormwater work.

How to follow along

City Commission agendas, minutes, and staff presentations covering these projects are public, and the meetings themselves are open to residents. That is the most reliable way to track progress as the work moves forward.

We will keep sharing plain-language updates as these projects develop.