Tampa Bay Water’s Board of Directors approved moving forward with water quality treatment system upgrades, authorizing targeted improvements designed to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and reduce total organic carbon (TOC) in the regional drinking water supply.
The approved projects were recommendations of staff following a comprehensive Regional Water Quality Study. The study evaluated opportunities to further strengthen water quality, maintain regulatory compliance and support member utilities’ distribution systems while continuing to deliver high‑quality drinking water to the region.
The regional drinking water supply currently meets or is better than all health-based state and federal drinking water standards, including the Safe Drinking Water Act. These water quality improvements projects build on that strong compliance record and position the agency to respond proactively to evolving federal PFAS regulations and long‑term water quality goals.
PFAS treatment will move forward at three locations based on water quality data and regulatory requirements: the Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant and Brandon Urban Dispersed Wells Water Treatment Plants 5 and 7. These projects will use treatment technologies recognized by EPA as the most effective for treating PFAS. These include ion exchange treatment and/or granular activated carbon technologies and include a pilot program and interim compliance measures at the surface water treatment facility, along with design and planning for a future PFAS treatment system. The improvements are scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2031, aligning with anticipated federal compliance timelines.
The Board also approved TOC reduction treatment at two locations — the Eldridge‑Wilde Wellfield and the South Pasco Wellfield — which have among the highest TOC levels in the regional system. It’s important to know that TOC has no health risks but is important to efficient operations and water treatment performance. These upgrades will improve disinfectant stability in both the regional and member government distribution systems, particularly during summer months, and help reduce the need for additional treatment or flushing downstream. Implementing TOC treatment now will also create cost efficiencies by coordinating the work with other planned capital projects at both sites.
The total estimated capital investment for these projects is approximately $239 million and reflects a stepwise implementation strategy that allows Tampa Bay Water to monitor ongoing federal rulemaking and litigation related to PFAS standards while advancing early design work.
“These initial projects reflect years of scientific study, coordination with our member governments and careful planning,” said Chuck Carden, general manager for Tampa Bay Water. “They position Tampa Bay Water to continue providing safe, reliable drinking water while responsibly preparing for future regulatory requirements.”
