Partnership leads to investment of more than $1 million to help secure Florida’s water supply

MAITLAND, Fla., Dec. 2, 2016 — Work is nearly complete on the installation of 1.5 miles of reclaimed water main within the city of Apopka. The St. Johns River Water Management District provided $231,254 for the project, which complements other reclaimed water projects in the city.

“We applaud the city for embracing the use of reclaimed water for irrigation,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We’re proud to be a funding partner on this project as we work together to ensure sustainable use of Florida’s water.”

The reclaimed water main extension plays an integral part in the city’s plans for future storage and distribution of water supplies, which includes reducing the use of drinking water for irrigation. Increasing access to reclaimed water will reduce dependence on groundwater from Upper Floridan aquifer wells while also assisting in the enhancement of spring flows in the Wekiva Basin.

The installed reclaimed water mains begin at the intersection of Jason Dwelley Parkway, continue west along Kelly Park Road, and terminate at the intersection of Golden Gem Road and Kelly Park Road.

The total construction cost is $1.4 million. For more information about the district’s cost-share program, visit www.sjrwmd.com/funding.