Drinking Water Taste & Odor Improvement Plan
While the City of Winter Springs drinking water exceeds the standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act; we have created this improvement plan to eliminate the taste and odor complaints with the City’s drinking water. The plan follows a series of projects to generate improvement. The list below provides the current status of the process.
Project Progress
STAGE 1: Feedback Mapping & Tracking (COMPLETE)
The City and Veolia, its operations contractor, have improved the collection and tracking of customer taste and odor observations and their locations over the last six months. This information is plotted on a map of the water system to determine the geographic distribution and nature of complaints by customers. This information is valuable to the operators of the water system and the engineers in more precisely knowing what customers experience. This helps with making changes in the water treatment and distribution of water.
STAGE 2: Improved Public Communication (COMPLETE)
The web page is updated more frequently to inform customers of the status of the different projects underway. Over the past year, this has included CPH Engineers performing a flow study on the system to keep water moving to your home, a plan to flush the lines to keep water fresh, and improvements at the three water plants. The project list also includes a review by Kimley Horn Engineers of the water quality from the wells and the plants.
STAGE 3: Hydraulic Model and Flushing Plan (COMPLETE)
We have contracted CPH Engineering to create a model of the City water distribution system. The distribution system is the network of pumps, tanks, and 150 miles of water line that moves water from our water plants to your house.
This model allows engineers to study the water distribution system and to run tests to predict certain conditions, such as, how much water is needed for a major fire and if the system can provide the water. Additionally, it can be used to predict the water quality as water moves from the three water plants to your kitchen sink faucet. This evaluation is completed and automatic flushing devices are being installed across the City to help move water quickly to your house.
STAGE 4: Water Quality Analysis (COMPLETE)
Many customers inquire about the quality of the City’s water. The City hired Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to evaluate the well water being used at the water plant. The effort consisted of reviewing raw water quality, finished water quality, current regulations, and future concerns in the water industry. The presentation below was delivered at the July 13, 2020 City Commission meeting.
STAGE 5: Water Treatment Plant Optimization (UNDERWAY)
In partnership with our contract operator, Veolia, and Carollo Engineers, we have been testing different chemicals at Water Treatment Plant #1 to reduce the taste and odors that some residents are experiencing. This information will be used to help design improvements to Water Treatment Plant #1.
STAGE 6: Water Plant Improvements (Underway)
Water Treatment Plant 1: The water plant located on the east side of town provides half the City's water. Carollo Engineers and SCI have carried out a study of the wells to determine the cause of most customer complaints, which appears to be hydrogen sulfide, a natural product in the groundwater that causes an odor and color at your home. The engineering firm has designed the first of several changes to be made at the plant to help remove hydrogen sulfide. The project work will begin in early 2021.
Water Treatment Plant 2: Kimley Horn Engineers and Bailey Engineering have reviewed the facility and designed a standby generator. This will assure more reliable service during the loss of power in a hurricane or other event. The generator has been ordered but takes a long time to be built. It is expected to be delivered and installed in mid-2021.
Water Treatment Plant 3: Kimley Horn Engineers and Bailey Engineering have evaluated the plant's electrical system. A design and work bid will be completed in 2021 to make electrical changes and install a new standby generator.
Odor Complaints
The City and its operator Veolia are tracking customer complaints to know where and when an issue occurs for a customer. Simple steps, such as running the tap for a few minutes, can quickly resolve the issue. Other times we may send personnel out to flush the line in the neighborhood. Knowing where and when you have a concern helps us to try and fix it.
