The Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) has officially begun construction on the Southeast Water Production Facility in Lake Wales, Florida, marking a major milestone for sustainable water management in central Florida. According to a press release from Carollo Engineers, this groundbreaking event signals the launch of the region’s first reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant, designed to secure long-term water resources for the area.
Ensuring a Sustainable Water Supply
Located on Boy Scout Camp Road, the facility will extract brackish water from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, purify it using advanced RO technology, and supply up to 12.5 million gallons of high-quality drinking water per day to 10 PRWC member utilities.
“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction – it’s a testament to the power of regional cooperation,” said PRWC Executive Director Eric DeHaven. “Through the combined efforts of our member governments, we have executed a program that will provide sustainable water supplies for generations to come. This facility demonstrates what we can achieve when local governments work together toward a common goal.”
How the RO System Works
The RO treatment process will remove dissolved minerals, salts, and impurities by passing water through semi-permeable membranes. Extracted from approximately 1,500 feet underground, the treated water will meet or exceed federal and state quality standards. The system is also designed to handle the complex sulfide-driven nature of the raw water, ensuring reliable purification.
A key feature of the facility is its deep well injection technology, which will safely dispose of concentrated salts and minerals at depths of 8,000 feet. Additionally, a gypsum desaturation process will be implemented to minimize precipitation from the injectate, ensuring long-term sustainability of the disposal system.
A Model for Regional Water Management
“The Southeast Water Production Facility sets a new standard for alternative water supply in central Florida,” said Mary Thomas, Carollo Engineers Project Manager. Carollo Engineers, the project’s design firm, is leading engineering services for the facility, as well as managing the wellfield and transmission system.
“By utilizing reverse osmosis to tap into the brackish Lower Floridan Aquifer, we’re helping PRWC diversify its water supply portfolio while delivering high-quality water to neighboring communities,” Thomas added.
A major advantage of this initiative is its role in reducing dependence on the Upper Floridan Aquifer, thereby mitigating potential environmental impacts on wetlands and natural ecosystems.
Project Components and Timeline
The Southeast Water Production Facility consists of three primary components:
- A wellfield accessing the Lower Floridan Aquifer via wells approximately 1,500 feet deep.
- A state-of-the-art RO treatment plant, featuring advanced membrane filtration, real-time monitoring, and an innovative concentrate treatment process.
- A 61-mile transmission pipeline to deliver treated water across the region.
Construction is expected to continue through 2028, with initial water delivery anticipated in mid-2028. Upon launch, the facility will produce 7.5 million gallons per day, serving Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Winter Haven, and Polk County. Future expansion will increase capacity to 12.5 million gallons daily to meet growing demand.
Funding and Support
The project has received significant financial backing, including:
- Nearly $200 million in grant funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
- Over $50 million in state appropriations.
- Low-interest State Revolving Fund loans.
- A $223 million loan through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act.
With this ambitious project, PRWC is taking a crucial step toward securing sustainable, high-quality water for central Florida’s future.