Water problem puts new homes in doubt

The subdivision expansion may still be built, but regulators are worried that water pressure is insufficient.

By WILL VAN SANT
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 13, 2002

SPRING HILL -- The planned expansion of the Wellington subdivision is in doubt after state environmental regulators, citing concerns over water pressure, rejected the developer's application to connect with the area water system.

The decision by the Department of Environmental Protection is subject to appeal.

That means the construction of 58 new homes in the development could proceed without a hitch. However, it highlights concerns about future growth in areas of Spring Hill served by Florida Water Services.

The Florida Water system, according to regulators, cannot meet state requirements of 20 pounds of water pressure per square inch during periods of high demand because of constrictive pipes and poor pumping capacity.

"Their distribution system does not have any large trunk lines," said Jeff Greenwell, potable water program manager with the DEP's Tampa office. "Most of their pipes are rather small."

Florida Water maintains the answer lies in needed construction of three wells in Spring Hill, a plan rejected by the county. The issue has led to an ongoing court feud.

Greenwell said the agency could issue conditional connection permits, which would call for progress on resolving the water pressure dispute before the permits take effect.

"That is their issue," Greenwell said of Florida Water and the county. "We don't tell people how to fix their problems."

With both sides firmly entrenched on the well construction issue, shorter-term solutions to the pressure problem are being discussed.

Both Florida Water and the county, which has its own water utility, said they are discussing the possibility of an interconnection agreement.

"It would create a situation whereby the county, if it had excess water, could sell it to Florida Water for their use," said Kurt Hitzemann, assistant county attorney.

In related news, the DEP reversed itself and will allow Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union on Mariner Boulevard to connect to Florida Water.

The decision came after further study by engineers into the impact of the connection, officials said.

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