Every 10 years, Tampa Bay Water takes a close look at its regional water transmission system. The goal is to find improvements that can help the system perform better during emergencies, droughts and other high-demand conditions. The study looks at hydraulic capacity, projected demand from member governments, power outages and overall system reliability over the next 20 years. It found that Tampa Bay Water’s system is well-positioned to serve the region. Still, targeted upgrades will help move water more reliably as demand grows through 2045. The study used computer models to test how the system performed in the past and how it could perform under future conditions. The analysis showed eight potential hydraulic improvement concepts that could help reduce system constraints during high-demand drought years. Staff recommends moving forward with three of them:
The study also analyzed 20 hydraulic emergency scenarios, such as pipe breaks or facility outages. From this exercise, staff recommend developing emergency operating procedures, mutual support agreements with member governments and improved system interconnections to increase the agency’s ability to supply water in emergency situations.
And finally, the analysis considered unforeseen power outages and recommended remote access improvements, increased generation capacity, changing generator ownership and operation, and enhancing coordination with electric energy providers.
The Cypress Creek Repump Mode project will be brought to the board for consideration later this year, and the remaining improvement projects will be planned or considered for inclusion in the agency’s Capital Improvements Program.
