Tampa Bay Water is hosting a public meeting on the Eastern Pasco Wellfield Feasibility Study and other potential projects being studied in the Long-Term Master Water Plan to meet the region’s future drinking water needs. The meeting will include an open house followed by a presentation, members of the project team will answer questions and take public comments.
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 6 p.m. – Open House; 6:30 p.m. – Presentation
Place: St. Leo University, Student Community Center Boardroom 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574
Tampa Bay Water is the region’s wholesale drinking water provider, supplying high-quality drinking water to Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
Tampa Bay Water is working to keep pace with the region’s growing water needs:
The Eastern Pasco Wellfield project is one of several water supply projects being considered to meet future demands.
The Eastern Pasco Wellfield is one of three potential project options being considered as part of the Feasibility Study for New Groundwater Sources. The Eastern Pasco Wellfield Feasibility Study will assess the viability of a new wellfield in eastern Pasco County. This proposed project would withdraw fresh groundwater and treat it at a new water treatment plant in Pasco County. Fresh groundwater wells would withdraw water from the Upper Floridan Aquifer, approximately 500 feet or more below the surface. The treated water would be stored before being pumped for distribution to Tampa Bay Water’s members. This proposed project has an estimated annual yield of 4 million gallons per day. Estimated yields will be refined when the feasibility study is complete.
Tampa Bay Water is taking a step-wise approach to studying brackish water availability in eastern Pasco County. As part of the Eastern Pasco Wellfield Feasibility Study, important brackish water quality and geologic data from depths of approximately 2,000 feet via the core hole installation will still be collected. This data will provide valuable insights as to whether further investment in brackish water studies in the Lower Floridan Aquifer is worthwhile in eastern Pasco County.
Brackish water withdrawals in eastern Pasco County will not be considered as an option for water supplies needed in the 2033 timeframe, but if the initial data collected shows promise, it could be considered in future feasibility studies.
This feasibility study will explore a potential new fresh groundwater wellfield in eastern Pasco County to meet the 2033 water demands. Feasibility study components include:
A freshwater aquifer performance test will be conducted to collect and evaluate data on water quality, yield, drawdown and treatment requirements for freshwater, as well as data needed to model aquifer responses to pumping.
The preliminary site plan for the feasibility study is available here.
Tampa Bay Water’s project team has evaluated potential properties to purchase or lease based on several criteria, including:
In January 2025, the Pasco County Commission approved a temporary easement on County-owned land for Tampa Bay Water to conduct aquifer performance tests.
The potential project area is outside the Hillsborough River Groundwater Basin.
Reliability – Groundwater is a reliable water source.
Affordability – Groundwater is the most efficient source to clean because the aquifer performs most of the filtration; development of groundwater is less expensive than other water supply sources.
Proximity – The project is in an area where regional water demands are growing.
The feasibility study is estimated to cost $5 million, being paid through municipal bonds. The project may be eligible for co-funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).
Below is the projected timeline for the East Pasco Wellfield project.
Projects that are technically feasible, environmentally sound and affordable will be considered for development by Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors in late 2027.
Tampa Bay Water is committed to open, transparent communication with residents. Throughout the feasibility study, the project team will share information and solicit input on key components of the project. If you have questions or would like to opt in to receiving notices regarding this study, please email GroundwaterProjectInfo@gmail.com or call (813) 550-8326.
