News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Moore bmoore@tampabaywater.org (727) 791-2304 | (727) 470-0702
CLEARWATER, Fla. (June 20, 2022) – Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors approved the utility’s fiscal year 2023 budget which includes a 0.57% increase in the uniform water rate. The new wholesale rate is $2.5781/1,000 gallons, an increase of $0.0147 over the current year. The 2023 budget balances the board’s three overarching goals to maintain a reliable water supply system, be good stewards of the environment and maintain cost effective rates.
“The 2023 budget accounts for the growth we’re experiencing in Tampa Bay, ensuring a reliable supply of clean, safe drinking water at an affordable rate,” said Chuck Carden, general manager for Tampa Bay Water.
As the region continues to grow, so does the need for new water supply infrastructure. The approved budget addresses the utility’s capital needs through 2032, which include new water supply and water quality projects.
At less than a penny per gallon, wholesale tap water remains a value in the Tampa Bay region. For a typical residential household, which uses about 4,200 gallons of water a month, the rate increase means an extra $0.06 in their monthly bill from the wholesale rate.
Projected demand for the region in 2023 is 197.5 million gallons per day (mgd)−5.3 mgd more than 2022. The increase in regional water sales represents a $6 million increase in revenue and helps minimize the rate increase.
The following supply sources are targeted to meet the utility’s six-member governments’ projected demands in 2023:
Other budget highlights include:
As a non-profit, special district of the State of Florida, Tampa Bay Water has no taxing authority and is funded through the sale of wholesale water to its member governments. Each member pays the same wholesale rate and shares costs to operate and maintain the regional water supply system and develop new water supplies.
About Tampa Bay Water
Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members, who in turn, supply water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water member governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org.
For news media requests, please contact: Michelle Stom, MPA, APR Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer O: (727) 791-2305 | M: (727) 418-4652 Brandon Moore, APR Public Communications Manager O: (727) 791-2304 | M: (727) 470-0702