Winter Springs Residents,
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has issued a WARNING LETTER to the City of Winter Springs, citing serious violations in our wastewater system. This is yet another sign that our city’s leadership has failed to protect our water and our community’s health.
Despite years of resident concerns, Mayor McCann has downplayed the severity of the problem and resisted our calls for change. Once again, the state has confirmed what we have been saying all along: our water system is in crisis.
Here’s what the FDEP found:
- Dangerous levels of fecal coliform contamination—March 2024 levels were 800 TIMES over the legal limit.
- Nitrate pollution threatening our groundwater, posing health risks to residents.
- Repeated violations dating back years, showing a pattern of failure and neglect.
The mayor continues to ignore these warnings while raising our water rates and refusing to fire Veolia, the contractor responsible for managing our wastewater system.
We need real leadership that takes action, not more excuses.
📄 Read the full warning letter >> [FILE ATTACHMENT HERE]
📣 Make your voice heard: Share this message, attend city meetings, and demand accountability from those in charge.
Legislative Update: A Step Toward Real Accountability
There is hope for change. A new bill introduced in the Florida Legislature (HB 861, SB 978) aims to bring accountability and much-needed funding to wastewater treatment across the state.
This legislation acknowledges that aging wastewater plants, like ours in Winter Springs, are failing to protect our environment and public health. If passed, it would:
- Require advanced wastewater treatment for major sewage facilities to reduce contamination.
- Mandate a statewide assessment of failing wastewater plants and their impact on water quality.
- Create a ranking system for upgrades, prioritizing the most at-risk communities.
- Secure funding to help cities like Winter Springs improve their wastewater infrastructure.
The Winter Springs Water Quality Initiative will be actively advocating for the passage these bills in the upcoming legislative session.
Now is the time to demand that our leaders support this bill and stop ignoring our community’s water crisis.
📣 Take Action: Contact your state representatives and urge them to support SB (Senate Bill) 978 and HB (House Bill) 861!
Jesse Phillips
Founder, Winter Springs Water Quality Initiative