WEDGEFIELD, Fla. — Talk to residents in Wedgefield and many will tell you they don’t trust the water that comes into their homes from a nearby water treatment plant.

What You Need To Know

  • Wedgefield is a community east of Orlando where more than 1,700 homes get their water supply from the nearby Pluris Water Treatment Plant

  • Some residents say there have been water quality issues with the plant dating back to the 1980s

  • A 600-page report was given to Orange County commissioners ahead of a meeting that deemed the facility with “significant deficiencies” related to water quality, flow, capacity and safety

  • Orange County recently offered to purchase the plant for $8 million, while Pluris countered at $20.5 million

“No, I do not trust the water here at all,” said Shelia Mayhew.

Mayhew is a resident in the community east of Orlando, where more than 1,700 homes depend on water from the Pluris Water Treatment Plant.

Mayhew has been so concerned about the water quality that she won’t even water her plants with tap water and filters everything that comes out of her kitchen faucet.

“Once its filtered, I move over to this Britta filter, pitcher, that filters it a second time,” said Mayhew.

The lack of trust between residents of Wedgefield and the Pluris Water Treatment Plant has been growing for years.

A combination of reports showing poor water quality, increasing monthly water rates and photos of an aging water treatment plant, has forced residents to take action against Pluris.

Mayhew and others have created the Wedgefield Water Alliance Group with the hopes of making their voices heard regarding their water quality.

“Our government should help us get on their public water system, so we have better quality water that less expensive,” said Mayhew.

“It’s corroded, it’s not good quality and it’s not safe,” said resident George Preston.

Many say while their water bills continue to rise, the quality of water from the plant is not improving.

“Depending on its winter or summer when you use more water, it’s between $150 to $185 for two people,” said resident Sue Grode.

A 600-page report was provided to Orange County commissioners ahead of a recent meeting, which evaluated the water and wastewater infrastructure controlled by Pluris, a Texas-based for-profit utility.

The report included photos of corrosion and deterioration in the system, and cited “significant deficiencies” related to water quality, flow, capacity and safety.

The problem has become serious enough for Orange County to step in and offer to take over the facility (in cooperation with OCU).

The county recently offered to purchase the plant for $8 million, but Pluris countered at $20.5 million.

In a statement to Spectrum News 13, attorney Martin Friedman said: “The valuation of the Pluris system is at $25.9 million and the company gave a substantial reduction at $20.5 million. And the water Pluris provides to its customers meets all regulatory requirements, and the wastewater treatment plant is also in compliance with all regulatory requirements.”

In a statement, Orange County commissioner Kelly Semrad said: "Pluris continues to delay the process and prioritize their financial interests over the health and safety of our families in Wedgefield. This is unacceptable. It’s time for change, and we will ensure the community's voice is heard. I am fully committed to working with Orange County Utilities to bring clean and affordable drinking water to our community, and we will not stop until that goal is achieved.”

The negotiation has stalled, but many residents believe a new offer will be made by the county.

“We just need to wait and see what OCU counteroffers to Pluris and what Pluris might counteroffer to the county,” said Mayhew.