Apopka advances FY2027 budget featuring $10M pond membrane replacement and new lead/copper funding
City of Apopka Public Services Department, Florida · Meeting date: September 3, 2026 · Published: September 4, 2026
The 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.
Key points
- 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.
Full report
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.
This summary was generated by AI based on the source document and may contain errors.
Source: Tentative Budget Hearing Meeting 09/03/26, City of Apopka Public Services Department