Apopka advances FY2027 budget featuring $10M pond membrane replacement and new lead/copper funding

Apopka advances FY2027 budget featuring $10M pond membrane replacement and new lead/copper fundingThe Florida city's tentative spending plan outlines significant utility infrastructure investments, including a $7.2 million force main replacement and preparations for upcoming PFAS testing regulations.

The tentative FY2027 budget allocates $10 million to replace the membrane at the Golden Gem large pond to address sinkhole and liner issues.

Wastewater collection upgrades feature $7.2 million for the Forest Avenue force main replacement and $1.8 million for lateral lining rehabilitation.

The water maintenance budget introduces $1 million to replace galvanized lines for lead and copper compliance, targeting 395 homes per year over a 10-year period.

Rising chemical costs and population growth pushed the water plant's sodium hypochlorite budget to $450,000, reflecting a price jump to over $1.50 per gallon.

A $400,000 Stormwater Master Plan is moving forward, supported by a $300,000 FEMA grant and a $100,000 local match.

The City of Apopka, Florida, has advanced its tentative fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, outlining significant capital expenditures across its water, wastewater, and stormwater enterprises. Approved during a September 3, 2026, budget hearing, the spending plan addresses aging infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and population growth. The centerpiece of the wastewater capital budget is a $10 million allocation for the Golden Gem large pond to replace its membrane, a project driven by the discovery of sinkhole and liner issues at the site. The wastewater collection system will also see major investments, highlighted by $7.2 million dedicated to the Forest Avenue force main replacement project. An additional $1.8 million is slated for lateral lining rehabilitation, and $750,000 is earmarked for the strategic renewal of four older lift stations. On the drinking water side, Apopka is proactively addressing lead and copper compliance. The water maintenance budget introduces a $1 million line item to fund the replacement of galvanized lines. The city plans to target approximately 395 homes annually over a 10-year period, noting in budget documents that the work will require outside contractors. The water distribution budget also includes $300,000 for a city-wide valve replacement program and $400,000 for a residential backflow replacement program to swap out aging or failing units. Operational expenses reflect the pressures of inflation and a growing customer base. The water plant's budget for sodium hypochlorite increased to $450,000 for 225,000 gallons. Budget documents note the chemical's contract price climbed from $1.09 to $1.53 per gallon, compounded by the need to treat higher volumes of water as the city expands. Additionally, $140,000 is budgeted for annual water quality lab sampling, which includes preparations for upcoming per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing regulations. The city's stormwater enterprise is also moving forward with a $400,000 Stormwater Master Plan, which is supported by a $300,000 FEMA grant and a $100,000 local match. The final millage rate and budget hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2026.