WINTER HAVEN – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has reported a wastewater incident in Winter Haven involving more than 43,000 gallons of reuse water.
According to the report, the leak began on September 20 at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Motor Pool Road near Lake Conine. The incident was caused by an 18-inch line break at a valve. The spill continued until September 22 at 3:30 p.m.
City officials stated the water involved was reuse water, not raw sewage. The spill initially soaked into the ground before flowing into a nearby storm drain. From there, it entered a retention area and eventually into management ponds designed to filter stormwater before it reaches the lake.
The total release was estimated at 43,200 gallons. Out of precaution, city crews began sampling Lake Conine to ensure the water was not affected. The City Sewer Crew has since repaired the broken line.
The Florida DEP listed the City of Winter Haven as the facility involved in the report. The notice was filed on September 23.
