The customized computer tool analyzes data to determine the best way to rotate production of our drinking water supplies.

The Optimized Regional Operations Plan (OROP) is a vital part of the Decision Support System that uses forecasted surface water flows, current groundwater level conditions and rainfall data to determine how to rotate production among available supplies to meet demands in an environmentally sound manner.

This tool ensures water demand for the tri-county region can be met with minimal adverse environmental impacts by using sophisticated computer models to analyze and forecast groundwater conditions at water supply facilities. Based on continual field monitoring and these forecasts, water production can be rotated or adjusted to avoid ecological harm.

The OROP, the most comprehensive wellfield management plan in the state of Florida, was approved by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in late 1998 and was implemented in 1999 as part of the consolidated permit for 11 wellfields in Pasco, Pinellas and northern Hillsborough counties. New sources developed through the Master Water Plan are also being incorporated into the OROP.