Local

Plan in the works to fix Wedgefield water issues

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Years of water problems could come to an end for homeowners in the Wedgefield area.

For the first time, residents met Thursday to hear Orange County's proposal to take over their service.

There was overwhelming support for the plan, in which the county promises it will not only improve the water quality, but potentially save people money.

Residents say the tap water in their homes is dangerous.

“The quality is terrible. It smells like rotten egg,” said Aara Raweh.

Currently, Pluris provides water to about 1,600 customers in the community, but if Orange County Utilities has its way, it could take over in the next two to three years.

It’s a solution to a problem that landed on Commissioner Ted Edward's desk years ago.

“We were getting a lot of criticism. Residents wanted it to happen fast. You can see, it's very complicated. It took a lot of time, but we came up with a really good product,” Edwards said.

For years, homeowners have told Channel 9 they are scared to drink the water.

In April, test results showed high levels of a potentially cancer-causing byproduct.

“We don't drink the water. We (have) to buy water from Walmart and stuff,” said Raweh.

A county takeover could be the solution.

Orange County Utilities said it would cost customers up to $25 million to pay for new infrastructure and upgraded facilities.

But homeowners association President Mike Nolan said switching may cut monthly costs in the long run.

“This is a dramatic change. It affects the values of our homes. It affects people moving into the community. Who wants to move into the community when you have to pay six times more for the water in Wedgefield?” Nolan said.

Orange County Utilities asked residents to fill out forms expressing interest in the plan, which would have to go to a vote before anything is finalized.