New water wells in Pasco may not be drilled just yet

The Tampa Bay Water board is said to be considering expanding the capacity of existing wells instead.

DADE CITY - Pasco County commissioners said Tuesday they're optimistic that the area's regional water supply agency might consider options other than new wells in northeast Pasco to meet future needs.

Commissioners Ann Hildebrand and Ted Schrader, who also serve as members of the Tampa Bay Water regional supply authority, said fellow board members at a Monday meeting appeared willing to consider plans to pump more from existing wells, stalling proposals for new wells near San Antonio and Dade City.

Going into the Tampa Bay Water board's Monday meeting, the agency's staff had recommended three proposals. One called for new wells along State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel; the others suggested new wells along Curley and Prospect roads.

Schrader offered another proposal: pumping more from existing wells, splitting the take between Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Hildebrand seconded the idea.

Tampa Bay Water spokeswoman Michelle Biddle said the board agreed to consider Schrader's proposal. All options would be studied by agency staff, with a report and recommendation due in December.

Schrader and Hildebrand said they sensed interest from water agency board members from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

"There was a spirit of cooperation," Hildebrand said.

Schrader said that while the Southwest Florida Water Management District, commonly referred to as Swiftmud, in the past has balked at approving more pumping from existing wells, the rapid development of reclaimed water instead of groundwater for landscaping might bolster the chances of an expanded permit.

Reclaimed water can be used to mitigate the effect of pumping by putting more water into underground supplies while taking none out, he said.

The key to any plan, Schrader said, is to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Studies would have to consider the potential for environmental damage before any plan is approved, Schrader said. But, he said, the savings of using existing wells, rather than laying new pipe and digging new wells, could be substantial.

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