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Edgewater council unanimously approves charter amendment and ordinance banning direct potable reuse and underground injection
Summary
After a public hearing with several residents urging action, the council voted unanimously to approve a charter amendment and an ordinance that prohibit direct potable reuse of reclaimed water and underground well injection; council members discussed permanence and the need for public education before the charter vote.
The Edgewater City Council on May 4 approved a charter amendment and a companion ordinance to prohibit direct potable reuse of reclaimed wastewater and underground well injection.
At the public hearing, residents urged the council to act to protect groundwater. Jeff Brower told the council the issue is “the most important issue that we face right now in Volusia County” and thanked the council for previously approving a first reading; Brower urged the council to vote unanimously on the second reading to send a clear message to neighboring jurisdictions and the county.
During council discussion, Councilman Eric Rainbird and others expressed concerns about the permanence of a charter amendment and asked for balanced information to ensure voters will understand the implications before a referendum. Rainbird asked whether a moratorium or ordinance would be a less permanent option, citing concerns about future utility rates, access to funding and compliance risks. The mayor and other council members said they supported letting voters decide and pledged to bring balanced presentations to inform the public ahead of any charter election.
Councilmember [motioning member recorded in the minutes] moved to approve the 2nd reading of ordinance 2026-0-04 (potable reuse charter amendment) with language covering underground well injection; another councilmember seconded the motion. The council then approved the motion by roll call with unanimous 'yes' votes.
A second, related ordinance (2026-0-05) — described in staff materials as a prohibition on direct potable reuse of reclaimed blackwater — received the same process: staff presented, the public commented, and the council voted to approve the 2nd reading and adopt the ordinance with a unanimous roll call.
Why it matters: The measures change Edgewater policy to prohibit direct potable reuse and underground injection within the city’s jurisdiction and place the question of permanence and policy implementation in front of voters and staff for public education and follow-up steps.
