Winter Haven initiates major upgrades including new water facility and meter replacements

In the heart of Winter Haven, city officials gathered to discuss ambitious plans for the future of the community's water infrastructure. The meeting, held on August 14, 2025, showcased a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the city's water management capabilities, including the much-anticipated Sapphire Necklace project and significant upgrades to the water treatment facilities.

City representatives revealed that the new facility will initially target a capacity of 12 million gallons per day, with construction expected to commence as early as December. This facility will feature advanced screening and filtration systems, crucial for ensuring the quality of the water supply. The Sapphire Necklace project, which began with an unsolicited proposal from Rez in March 2023, is set to expand significantly from its original scope. The city has acquired 370 acres for the Bradco Farms project, with plans to increase this to between 450 and 500 acres, facilitating further development and environmental restoration.

Exciting developments are also on the horizon for the city's well-drilling efforts. A recharge well is slated to be drilled at Bradco Farms by the end of the year, marking a significant step in the city's water sustainability efforts. Wetland restoration is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, further enhancing the ecological balance in the area.

In addition to these major projects, the city is making strides in modernizing its water meter infrastructure. Currently, about 60% of the automated meter infrastructure is in place, with plans to increase coverage to 95% through the installation of additional towers. The city aims to replace approximately 10,000 water meters annually to prevent simultaneous failures in the future.

Addressing public health concerns, officials are actively working on replacing lead and copper pipes within the distribution system, ensuring compliance with EPA deadlines. The city is also transitioning to an internal team for its unidirectional flushing and valve exercise program, which was previously contracted out, demonstrating a commitment to improving operational efficiency.

As the meeting concluded, city officials expressed optimism about securing grant funding to support these initiatives, with expectations of achieving up to 40% funding over the next five years. The Department of Environmental Protection has shown a positive response to Winter Haven's proactive approach, indicating a bright future for the city's water management efforts. With these developments, Winter Haven is poised to enhance its water infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable and safe water supply for its residents.