The Starkey Wellfield is located in Pasco County near Little Road and S.R. 54. With the exception of the Tampa Bay Water well sites, the property is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and is managed as a wilderness park for public recreational use (J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park).
The Starkey Ecosystem Enhancement Project has the potential to increase water levels at 350-450 acres of wetlands located within the J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park. The concept of the project is to divert excess surface waters from the Anclote and/or Pithlachascotee Rivers and use the water to enhance wetland water levels. If feasible, the project may provide water supply benefits by enhancing wellfield yield. Due to its potential water supply benefits, the project is included in the SWFWMD Regional Water Supply Plan.
Tampa Bay water and the SWFWMD jointly funded a feasibility study of the Starkey Ecosystem Enhancement Project. As part of the feasibility study, potential withdrawal locations for the Anclote River and Pithlachascotee River were reviewed. An analysis of historic flows was preformed to assess the available surface water in each river and river withdrawals schedules were proposed. The potential effects of river withdrawals on the ecology of the river flood plain and the downstream estuaries were evaluated.
The feasibility study results indicate that a small portion of flows from the Anclote and Pithlachascotee River systems can be withdrawn without adverse impacts to the environment. Evaluations indicate that up to 450 acres of wetland restoration can be achieved by implementing the project.
Project Costs
The total cost of the feasibility study is $385,000. Costs are shared between SWFWMD ($175,000) and Tampa Bay Water ($210,000). Estimated costs for design, permitting, and construction are $8.2 million.
Current Status
The feasibility study is complete. Tampa Bay Water staff are reviewing the feasibility study results and considering the time frame for proceeding with the design and permitting phase of the project.
