Orange Soil & Water Conservation District Associate Supervisor Baumier

Water Wednesday Recap: Stormwater 101: Understanding Drainage, Ponds, and How Florida Manages Rainwater - UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center Learn how Florida manages stormwater runoff, ponds, drainage systems, and water quality

Orange County is evaluating a Stormwater Utility Fee to help address stormwater runoff, localized flooding, drainage improvements, water quality protection, and overall maintenance of stormwater infrastructure. Many older communities have limited stormwater capacity or treatment, and identifying a dedicated funding source could support long-term improvements that protect homes, streets, lakes, rivers, and springs.

Community feedback will help guide discussions as county leaders evaluate the program and next steps. Take the survey and make your voice heard. Learn more at Stormwater Utility
Orange Soil and Water Conservation District

Stormwater Community Feedback

I’ve been learning more about Florida Forever and the Florida Springs Institute and why so many conservation organizations support it.

When Florida loses wetlands, springs recharge areas, wildlife habitat, and working lands, those resources are often gone for good. Programs like Florida Forever help protect these places before they are developed, preserving clean water, recreation opportunities, and natural landscapes for future generations.

As someone interested in freshwater ecology, stormwater management, and conservation, I believe protecting land is one of the most effective investments we can make for Florida’s future.

Learn more about Florida Forever:

https://floridadep.gov/lands/environmental-services/content/florida-forever

What conservation lands in your community do you think are worth protecting?

Florida Forever | Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Forever is Florida’s conservation and recreation lands acquisition program, a blueprint for conserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve supports freshwater turtle monitoring in part through its partnership events with the Turtle Survival Alliance.

Over three days, staff and volunteers conducted capture‑mark‑recapture surveys across Rock Springs, Wekiwa Springs, and the Wekiva River, documenting 184 turtles. Teams accessed sites by canoe, collected biological data and safely released each turtle where it was found.

This long‑term study provides critical insight into population trends, species diversity and ecological change.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

💧🌱 Our Utilities Department is proud to provide reclaimed water to help protect our environment and ensure a sustainable water supply for our community!

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that is safely reused for irrigation. ♻️💦

Benefits of reclaimed water include:
✅ Conserving our limited drinking water supply by reducing strain on groundwater resources
✅ Providing reliable irrigation water, even during drier seasons
✅ Supporting a greener, more sustainable Ocoee

By using reclaimed water for irrigation instead of potable water, we are helping build a more sustainable future for our community! 🌎💚

Curious if reclaimed water is available in your area? Learn more here: https://fl-ocoee.civicplus.com/148/Getting-Reclaimed-Water.

🎨 Artwork created by Zoe F., a water conservation hero from Thornebrooke Elementary - OCPS