MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County is taking a major step forward in delivering clean, safe drinking water to residents in northern Marion County with continued progress on the Lowell municipal drinking water project.
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a budget amendment adding $1 million in revenue and $1 million in expenses to the county’s utility fund, with no net impact to the overall county budget. The funding supports the next phase of a long-term infrastructure project designed to bring centralized potable water to the Lowell community, an area that has historically relied on private wells.
The Lowell area is home to several state-run facilities, including the Florida State Fire College, and has been identified as having soil contamination exceeding the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s provisional cleanup target levels. Extending a municipal water system into the area will provide residents and nearby facilities with a safe, reliable source of drinking water and significantly strengthen public health protections.
The newly approved funding is tied to an amendment to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant agreement, which provides additional resources for installing water lines serving the Lowell area. The executed grant was returned to Marion County in October 2025 and builds on substantial funding already secured through state partnerships.
To date, Marion County has obtained $3.5 million from the 2024 legislative session, $1 million from the 2025 session, and $1.25 million in principal forgiveness through the state revolving fund. State appropriations will cover construction costs, while revolving fund support will assist with planning and design for future phases of the project.
The proposed improvements include the installation of approximately 6.73 miles of 12-inch water line, along with valves, fire hydrants, and a water booster station. Once completed, the system will deliver centralized potable water to the Lowell community while also supporting critical facilities such as the Florida State Fire College.
The Lowell municipal drinking water project reflects Marion County’s commitment to protecting public health, investing responsibly in infrastructure, and working collaboratively with state partners to meet the needs of today while planning for the future. By securing outside funding and advancing thoughtful, long-term solutions, the county is helping ensure that residents and essential institutions have access to clean, dependable drinking water for years to come.