Volusia Council rejects measures to bar 'potable reuse' and deep‑well injection; debate exposes split over local control

The Volusia County Council on Feb. 17 rejected two measures aimed at preventing treated reclaimed wastewater from being injected into the county’s aquifer or added to its potable water supply.

Council members Tuesday voted 3–4 against an ordinance that would have barred the county utility from approving deep injection or potable reuse projects and later failed to secure the five‑vote threshold needed to place a charter amendment on the ballot. The votes followed a lengthy staff briefing, hours of public testimony and in‑chamber debate about technical risks, local authority and the likelihood of state preemption.

Why it matters: The item drew a packed public turnout and divided the panel because it touched on public health, long‑term water planning and local government authority. Supporters of the proposals urged a preventive approach to protect drinking water and to give residents a direct vote; opponents — including some council members and utility staff — said the county has no immediate plans to pursue potable reuse for its utility, that the county’s authority is limited by state law, and that other alternatives (reclaimed water, infiltration basins, storage) remain the county’s focus.

Staff briefing and technical context Public Works and…