TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Reclaimed Water Deal Promising, But Needs Thorough Treatment

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 29, 2008

A $180 million proposal to pipe reclaimed water from Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa into Polk County could benefit the environment and bolster the region's water supply while helping it meet its energy needs.

The water sale also could deprive Hillsborough and Tampa of water that may be needed in the future. Local control would be sacrificed to benefit Polk projects. And it's suspicious that heavy-handed political pressure is being brought to bear.

All the parties involved in this complex deal should proceed cautiously and carefully scrutinize the ramifications.

Nevertheless, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's governing board, scheduled to vote on the concept today, should give it the go-ahead. The county commission and city council already have done so.

Approvals by those two elected boards allow the parties to work on an agreement. But any long-term commitment will require separate approvals.

There is much to like about the plan, which would utilize highly treated wastewater from Hillsborough and, in a second phase of the project, Tampa, most of which now ends up in Tampa Bay. This would significantly improve the bay's water quality.

The water would be piped to Mosaic Fertilizer phosphate pits in eastern Hillsborough and in Polk, where it could be stored. Some water would be used to help recharge the underground aquifer in an area where overuse has caused severe saltwater intrusion and where it is virtually impossible to develop new supply.

Much of it would be sold to Tampa Electric Co.'s Polk Power Station, which needs more water to allow the expansion necessary to meet growing demand. Most of the plant's electricity goes to Hillsborough.

Water also could be sold to Polk County to augment its supply and help it meet future needs.

Some questions:

• Will Hillsborough and Tampa end up giving up water that could be used for its residents and own growth? Hillsborough and Tampa officials say there is plenty to go around, but once the water is committed, there is no getting it back.

•What control will the donor communities have over prices?

•Will Water Partners Inc., the not-for-profit group that will build and manage the system, be subject to state Sunshine laws? The group includes representatives from the public and private entities involved. Officials pledge transparency but any agreement should guarantee public oversight.

•Will costs be distributed equitably? Supporters want the water district, which has taxing authority, to pay roughly half the cost. The rest would be paid for by bonds that would be repaid with income from TECO and other water purchasers.

•What are the hidden agendas? The state Senate has held up the reappointment of Dave Moore, who has done an excellent job as the executive director of the water district for the last five years.

Word is that some senators - including Hillsborough's Sen. Ronda Storms - are upset the district hasn't moved faster on the reclaimed project and are using the reappointment as leverage.

In fact, Moore has endorsed the concept, but simply wants the details carefully attended. That's the responsible position and one that should be taken by all parties at this stage.

Such political intimidation only raises the possibility something is at stake that is not being openly discussed. The district, county and city should explore this innovative idea's great promise. But they should not allow themselves to be railroaded into a commitment until they are absolutely certain it is in Hillsborough's and Tampa's long-term interest.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT