Sourcing the Water That Keeps Central Florida Running: OUC’s Water Production Department

It’s easy to take for granted that great-tasting water is always there when you turn on the tap. But reliable water service across Central Florida wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and expertise of several teams at OUC.

As the region continues to grow, the behind-the-scenes effort required to keep water flowing safely and reliably is more important than ever.

In this six-part series, you’ll meet departments that make it all possible for approximately 150,000 customers across OUC’s 200-square-mile service territory, including Water Distribution, Water Operations, Water Engineering and Water Metering departments, and the Water Quality Lab.

It starts with Water Production.

Where Our Water Comes From

OUC’s water starts its journey deep underground. Well pumps at OUC’s six water treatment plants draw water from the Lower Floridan aquifer. This natural reservoir is fed by rainwater that goes through a filtration process as it seeps through hundreds of feet of sand and rock.

Today’s wells reach depths of 1,500 feet and produce approximately 32.3 billion gallons of water annually. About 30% to 40% of that water is used for irrigation.

Brad Jewell, Director of Water Production, describes the aquifer not as an underground lake but as a giant limestone sponge. “If you poke a straw (the well) into that sponge, you’ll get water,” he says. “But that’s just the first step.”

Treated for Quality and Great Taste

Once the water reaches the surface, it undergoes multiple treatment steps to ensure it’s safe, clean and pleasant to use. Ozone treatment helps improve taste. Chlorine is then added to maintain quality as it flows through pipes to taps.

After treatment, water is pumped into finished-water storage tanks and then on to homes and businesses. While much of this process is automated, team members continuously monitor the system to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Behind the scenes, OUC’s highly trained operators, mechanics, electricians, and instrumentation technicians keep the water plants performing at their best 24/7. They diagnose issues, perform preventive maintenance, repair and replace equipment aging equipment. Built-in redundancies ensure water can be rerouted quickly if a plant or system goes offline.

“We have one of the best teams in the world,” said Jewell. “We’re a small, tight group. We get the job done, and customers don’t have to think about their water – and that’s exactly how it should be.”

This work supports OUC’s commitment as The Reliable One — ensuring customers can depend on us every day, without interruption.

Planning for the Future

As Central Florida ‘s population continues to grow, OUC is working closely with regional utilities, water management districts, and other partners as part of the Central Florida Water Initiative to plan for long-term water needs.

The utility also is investing in alternative water sources and advanced treatment technologies.

A key project is the Southeast Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant in Lake Nona, approved by the OUC’s Board of Commissioners in 2024. This facility will drill up to 2,000 feet to tap deeper, brackish sections of the Lower Floridan Aquifer. That water will then undergo high-pressure filtration, followed by OUC’s standard treatment and testing, before being delivered as drinking water.

Despite Florida’s frequent rainfall, Jewell notes that replenishing our supply is more complex. “Rain here doesn’t directly replenish our supply,” said Jewell. “It moves through the surficial aquifer and toward Lake Okeechobee. The water we use in the lower aquifer actually comes from the south end of Georgia and can take years to reach us.”

Why It Matters

From the moment water is drawn from deep underground to the second it reaches a customer’s tap, a coordinated system – and a skilled team – makes it possible. It’s not just about producing water; it’s about delivering it safely, reliably and consistently, no matter the conditions.

That reliability allows customers – and OUC employees – to focus on what matters most, without thinking twice about something as essential as water.

Coming Next

Next in this series, we’ll explore Water Distribution – the team that maintains the infrastructure delivering water across OUC’s 200-square-mile service territory.