Winter Haven Commission OKs water study

Winter Haven is on board with a $100,000 water study to determine the best way to implement a regional water plan.

Polk County is planning a regional water authority to deal with a projected shortage of drinking water as the population expands and water use increases — and that means the eventual rise in the price of water. City officials said that 16 of the 17 municipalities in the county are involved in the plan, with only tiny Highland Park taking a pass.

The study will cost more than $200,000, officials said, with other members of the authority contributing the rest of the money.

City commissioners Monday night at City Hall unanimously approved the spending.

City Manager Deric Feacher said the project “will benefit Winter Haven and other areas” of the county.

“This is something we’ve been pushing since 2009,” Commissioner Steven Hunnicutt said.

Commissioner Brad Dantzler calls the plan “good news” for Winter Haven.

In interviews, Mike Britt, the city's utility services assistant director, and Danny Kushmer, a Southwest Florida Water Management District government affairs manager, explained why the vote is a good deal.