VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA — November 18, 2025
The Volusia County Council has taken a decisive step toward strengthening Edgewater’s critical infrastructure, approving more than $222,000 in funding for the design phase of improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The project, aimed at protecting the facility from storm-related flooding, underscores the county’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring reliable services during Florida’s increasingly volatile storm seasons.
Located on Mango Tree Drive, the Edgewater Wastewater Treatment Plant is a cornerstone of the city’s utility system, processing millions of gallons of wastewater each month. Its uninterrupted operation is vital not only for residents but also for the protection of surrounding waterways. However, the facility’s vulnerability was made clear during Hurricane Ian in 2022, when floodwaters encroached on the site and threatened to disrupt operations.
County officials emphasized that the approved design work will focus on elevating and hardening key components such as pumps, filters, and electrical systems. These upgrades are intended to keep the plant operational even when floodwaters rise, reducing the risk of service interruptions and environmental hazards.
“This is about resilience and reliability,” said Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower during the council meeting. “Edgewater’s plant is essential to the community, and by investing in its protection now, we’re ensuring that families and businesses can count on uninterrupted service even in the toughest conditions.”
The $222,423 design phase will be fully funded through Transform386, a federally supported initiative created to help Volusia County recover from Hurricane Ian and strengthen infrastructure against future disasters. Once the design is complete, the county and city will move forward with construction, marking a significant milestone in Edgewater’s long-term storm preparedness strategy.
Protecting Public Health and the Environment
Wastewater treatment facilities play a critical role in preventing untreated discharge from entering rivers, canals, and coastal waters. By reinforcing Edgewater’s plant, officials say the city will be better equipped to protect the Indian River Lagoon and other sensitive ecosystems from contamination during extreme weather events.
Reliable operations also mean fewer emergency responses during storms. Plant personnel can remain focused on broader community needs rather than scrambling to contain flood-related damage at the facility.
A Regional Commitment to Resilience
The Edgewater project is part of a broader countywide effort to modernize and protect essential infrastructure. Volusia County has prioritized investments in stormwater systems, utilities, and public facilities to ensure communities remain functional during hurricanes and tropical storms.
“We’re not just repairing damage from past storms — we’re preparing for the future,” said County Manager George Recktenwald. “This project represents the kind of forward-looking investment that will pay dividends in safety, reliability, and environmental protection for decades to come.”
Next Steps
With design work now funded, engineers will begin developing plans to elevate and reinforce the plant’s most vulnerable systems. Construction is expected to follow once designs are finalized and approved.
For Edgewater residents, the improvements promise peace of mind. As storms grow stronger and flooding more frequent, the city’s wastewater treatment plant will stand as a fortified safeguard — ensuring clean water, reliable service, and environmental protection when the community needs it most.
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