Approved Budget Addresses Future Water Needs
News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Moore
bmoore@tampabaywater.org
(727) 791-2304 | (727) 470-0702
CLEARWATER, Fla. (May 29, 2024) – The utility’s $212.6 million budget addresses the needs of a growing region, inflation costs and future funding needs while balancing the board’s three overarching goals: to maintain a reliable water supply system, be good stewards of the environment and maintain cost effective rates.
At less than a penny per gallon, wholesale drinking 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 $0.08 in their monthly bill from the wholesale rate.
Projected demand for the region in 2025 is 209.7 mgd, which is 12 mgd more than 2024. Tampa Bay Water will use the following mix of sources to meet targeted demand in 2025:
- River water: 77.7 mgd
- Seawater: 12 mgd
- Groundwater: 120 mgd (85.4 mgd from the Consolidated Wellfields)
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 2034. The Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) expenditures of $174.3 million include 36 projects in various stages. Two projects – the South Hillsborough Pipeline and the Tampa Bay Surface Water Treatment Plant expansion – make up 69% of the 2025 CIP planned expenditures.
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.