Southeast Wellfield and Water Production Facility
The goal of this project is to utilize the brackish, Lower Floridan Aquifer (LFA) in Southeast Polk County as a “non-traditional” water supply. The Southeast Wellfield is a permitted supply, and after treatment via reverse osmosis, will deliver up to 12.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of high-quality drinking water to the member governments.
Desalination removes dissolved substances in groundwater, seawater and municipal wastewaters to make water fit for human consumption, irrigation, industrial and other uses. Desalination is usually accomplished through a process called reverse osmosis, which purifies salt or brackish water by forcing it through semi-permeable membranes. These membranes act as filters that collect heavy metals and other compounds while the water passes through. This technology is already used throughout Florida.
Project Scope
- Production/test well construction and testing
- Source water quality and yield analysis
- Conceptual design report
- Pilot testing
- Preliminary design
- Rate analysis
LFA Brackish Ground Water Supply
- Raw water wellfield and pipeline alignment
- Advanced water treatment plant
- Injection wells
- Transmission
Project Status
Lower Floridan Aquifer performance testing was completed in 2019 and produced positive results supporting the withdrawal of the 12.5 MGD permitted allocation. A conceptual design report for the water production facility and transmission system was delivered to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in October of 2021. Wellfield construction began in 2023. Final design of the pipeline route is underway with construction anticipated to begin in 2024. Drinking water delivery will begin in 2027.
SWFWMD is a significant funding partner, providing nearly 50% grant funds to this project. The State of Florida has allocated over $18 M in appropriations to this project over the past few years and is providing low-interest State Revolving Fund loans. The PRWC has also received a low-interest WIFIA loan through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help fund the planned Alternative Water Supply (AWS) projects.
