Project benefits water quality for Lake Apopka and springs of Wekiva system

Campground creates needed underground infrastructure to connect to sewer system.

From the St. John's River Water Management District

A recently completed project at a central Florida RV park and campground will help achieve water quality improvements for Lake Apopka and springs of the Wekiva system. The St. Johns River Water Management District contributed $34,425 to the project at Orange Blossom KOA in Orange County, which dismantled an old wastewater treatment plant and connected the campground to a central sewer system.

“Protecting and restoring water quality is a core mission of the district,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We are excited to help fund this local project because it means improved water quality for not only Wekiva system but also Lake Apopka.”

After dismantling and removing the inefficient wastewater treatment facility from the site, the campground connected to the City of Apopka’s central sewer system. The move removes the pollution source, eliminating nitrogen, phosphorus and other wastewater effluents. Located a half-mile from Lake Apopka marshlands, the work benefits nearby Lake Apopka and the Wekiva spring system.

The district and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection each contributed $34,425 to the project.

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the district and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The district encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Maitland, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.

Connect with the SJRWMD on Twitter at @sjrwmd, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. For more information about the district, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.