Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Garden public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in water utilities
Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
Cracked 24- and 30-inch clay sewer lines feeding the wastewater plant need $2.83 million in emergency repairs — commissioners waived bidding because Wharton Smith is already on site and re-bidding would cost hundreds of thousands more.
Smith Street Reclaimed Water Storage Tank Project
The city pays roughly $1.2 million a year to dump excess water at Conserve II. A $576,747 design contract starts the third short-term project to route reclaimed water to customers instead, with a 90% reuse goal.
Remote water meter program
The city is testing smart meters that can be shut off and turned back on remotely, starting with customers who frequently fall behind on bills. It should save staff time and truck trips, with possible citywide expansion over the next 15–20 years.
Contractor damage to buried city utilities
Utility contractors keep hitting the city's water, sewer, and storm lines — hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage over the years, and one subcontractor has gone silent on a $45,000 bill. The new ordinance restores financial security requirements so the city can recover costs instead of eating them.
Reclaimed Water Outage After Power Surge
A power surge damaged wastewater plant equipment in the northern part of the city, and reclaimed water production and distribution are down while staff finds a workaround. A notice is posted on the city website.
Winter Garden Townhomes Backyard Flooding
A resident who has dealt with backyard flooding since 2001 asked for an update. The city has $175,000 budgeted and survey work started, but the project is stalled waiting on the homeowners' association to secure right-of-entry agreements from property owners.
Sewer odor control at Lift Stations 23 and 47
The city is spending $400,000 over a year on Thioguard to keep sewer smells and pipe corrosion down, and testing ways to use less of it.