Face It, Fix It

Addressing Infrastructure Needs Head-On

Much of Bradenton's core infrastructure was built decades ago and now requires significant reinvestment. Rather than putting those needs off, the City is moving forward with repairs, upgrades, and long-term improvements across the community.

What started as a focus on wastewater has grown into a broader initiative addressing water, drainage, roadways, and other essential public systems.

Through strategic planning and aggressive pursuit of outside funding, the City has secured more than $160 million in state and federal grants and appropriations. These funds have allowed the City to advance critical projects sooner and take on improvements that would not have been possible through local funding alone, helping reduce the burden on local ratepayers while strengthening long-term reliability.

Face It, Fix It reflects a practical commitment to maintaining dependable infrastructure, protecting our environment, and making thoughtful investments that serve residents today and for decades to come.

What is Face It, Fix It?

When Did Face It, Fix It Start?

What Problems is This Addressing?

What Types of Projects Are Included?

Face It, Fix It includes coordinated improvements across multiple systems. Many projects address more than one need at the same time.

Sewer System Upgrades

Repairs and replacements to sewer pipes, manholes, lift stations, and improvements at the Water Reclamation Facility to improve reliability and reduce wet-weather impacts.

Stormwater and Drainage Projects

Upgrading equipment and pipelines to maintain safe and dependable water service. New and upgraded drainage systems designed to better manage heavy rainfall and reduce localized flooding in vulnerable areas.

Water System Improvements

Replacing aging water mains to improve reliability, increase fire flow capacity, strengthen system interconnections, and help maintain water quality.

Mobility & Streetscape

Adding or rebuilding streets, sidewalks, and intersections to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Many of these projects also include underground utility and drainage upgrades at the same time.

How Long Will This Take?

Wastewater Glossary

Infiltration/Inflow (I&I): Extra water that enters the wastewater system from the outside. Too much I&I can overload the system, leading to spills or the need for costly bypasses.

Inflow: Happens when rainwater or groundwater gets into sewer pipes or manholes directly.
Infiltration: Happens when groundwater seeps in through cracks or leaky joints in pipes.

WRF: Water Reclamation Facility.

Lift Station: A pump station that pushes wastewater through the system.

Bypass: When partially treated wastewater has to be released, usually during emergencies, to keep the system at the Water Reclamation Facility operating safely.

Discharge: Water that leaves the treatment plant and flows into local waterways after being cleaned and tested.

Clarifier: A large circular tank where solids settle out of wastewater before the water moves on to the next stage of treatment.

Disc Filter: A piece of equipment that acts like a giant strainer, catching small particles before the water is disinfected and released.

Effluent: The cleaned water that flows out of the treatment plant after the process is complete.

Reclaimed Water: Treated wastewater that is cleaned to a level safe to reuse, such as irrigation.

Manhole: A covered access point to the underground sewer system. Manholes allow crews to inspect, clean, and maintain wastewater pipes and lift stations throughout the City. The round covers you see in streets and sidewalks are manhole lids.