The Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) has officially begun construction on the Southeast Water Production Facility in Lake Wales, Florida, according to a press release published by Carollo. This groundbreaking event marks the start of central Florida’s first reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant, an important step toward ensuring sustainable water resources for the region.
Situated on Boy Scout Camp Road, the facility will extract brackish water from the Lower Floridan Aquifer and process up to 12.5 million gallons of high-quality drinking water per day. The treated water will be distributed to 10 PRWC member utilities, addressing long-term water supply needs.
“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction – it’s a testament to the power of regional cooperation,” said PRWC Executive Director Eric DeHaven. “Through the combined efforts of our member governments, we have executed a program that will provide sustainable water supplies for generations to come. This facility demonstrates what we can achieve when local governments work together toward a common goal.”
The facility will also feature deep well injection technology to safely dispose of concentrated salts and minerals at depths of 8,000 feet
The facility will use advanced RO technology to purify brackish groundwater by passing it through semi-permeable membranes, effectively removing dissolved minerals, salts, and other impurities. Extracted from approximately 1,500 feet underground, the water will meet or exceed all federal and state quality standards. The system is also designed to handle the complex sulfide-driven nature of the raw water.
“The Southeast Water Production Facility sets a new standard for alternative water supply in central Florida,” said Carollo Engineers Project Manager Mary Thomas. Carollo Engineers, the project’s design firm, is responsible for engineering services related to the water production facility, as well as managing the wellfield and transmission system. “By utilizing reverse osmosis to tap into the brackish Lower Floridan Aquifer, we’re helping PRWC diversify its water supply portfolio while delivering high-quality water to neighboring communities.”
A key advantage of the project is its ability to reduce dependence on the Upper Floridan Aquifer, mitigating potential environmental impacts on wetlands and other natural ecosystems. The facility will also feature deep well injection technology to safely dispose of concentrated salts and minerals at depths of 8,000 feet. Additionally, a gypsum desaturation process will be implemented to minimize precipitation from the injectate, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the disposal system.
The Southeast Water Production Facility project is composed of three primary components:
- A wellfield accessing the brackish Lower Floridan Aquifer via wells extending about 1,500 feet deep.
- A cutting-edge RO treatment plant featuring advanced membrane filtration, real-time monitoring, and an innovative concentrate treatment process.
- Approximately 61 miles of transmission pipeline to deliver water throughout the region.
Construction is expected to continue through 2028, with initial water delivery anticipated in mid-2028. Upon launch, the facility will produce 7.5 million gallons per day, serving Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Winter Haven, and Polk County. Future expansion will increase capacity to 12.5 million gallons daily to accommodate growing demand.
The project has received significant financial backing from multiple agencies, including nearly $200 million in grant funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Additional funding sources include over $50 million in state appropriations, low-interest State Revolving Fund loans, and a $223 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
