Orlo Vista Integrated Water Resource Project

Orange County Utilities (OCU) is advancing a project to supplement reclaimed water at the South Water Reclamation Facility using excess stormwater from Orlo Vista, addressing flood risk, nutrient reduction, and alternative water supply. A 2023 cost estimate by Carollo Engineers approximates the project at $12 million. A Yield Analysis confirmed the availability of 2.5 MGD from Shingle Creek. The project is in the permitting phase, with design and funding efforts underway for completion by 2025.

• Understand the role and operations of the South Water Reclamation Facility (SWRF) in treating and distributing reclaimed water in central Florida.
• Explore the stormwater management strategies implemented by Orange County, focusing on the Orlo Vista neighborhood project to mitigate flooding and provide alternative water sources.
• Analyze the feasibility and cost considerations for integrating excess stormwater into SWRF operations, including yield analysis and modeling.
• Examine the permitting and funding processes involved in advancing large-scale water reclamation projects.

Standard Presentation Presenters

Lyudmila Gassaway Chief Engineer

Orange County Utilities

Lucy Gassaway is Chief Engineer for the Water Reclamation Engineering Group at Orange County Utilities. She leads a team of five engineers, overseeing the Water Reclamation Capital Improvement Program, and serves as the primary liaison between the City of Orlando and OCU for the jointly owned Water Conserv II facilities.

Benjamin Yoakum

Project Manager, Research & Innovation

Orange County Utilities

Ben Yoakum is a Project Manager at Orange County Utilities where he is leading, formalizing and expanding the Utilities’ Research and Innovation Program. Ben coordinates utility research with universities across the county and with external research organizations. In addition, the Research Program pilots new technologies that might improve utility operations.

Co-Authors (if applicable)