Despite its public setbacks - notably, in failing to open the desalinated water plant on schedule - and the sporadic outbreak of parochial politics, the regional utility called Tampa Bay Water has fostered better management of regional water supplies. Having three counties cooperate on water policy is better than having local governments wage water wars in court. But the utility, at times, has been insensitive to its members' concerns. That approach needs to change as the utility pursues a new plan to develop water resources.
Tampa Bay Water recently decided to drop immediate plans for another desal plant and for a controversial groundwater pumping project in eastern Hillsborough County. The desal project died as a result of frustration in building a similar plant in Hillsborough. While officials are confident of bringing the Apollo Beach plant online, they are not prepared to weather another round of criticism to build a second desal plant near Tarpon Springs. Opposition to pumping groundwater from Cone Ranch, in an area already hurt by overpumping, caused Tampa Bay Water to consider an alternative plan that would skim millions of gallons of water from area rivers. Officials haven't yet agreed to the plan, nor do they know what it would cost.
We hope this next round is grounded in better science. The first round of desal was oversold. While the Apollo Beach plant has produced drinking water, the unanticipated maintenance and financial problems have been a public relations disaster, causing a loss of confidence in Tampa Bay Water that goes beyond the issue of money. If the utility wants to skim surface water from the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers, it needs to show the public, and especially Hillsborough residents, that the project will work as planned.
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who sits on the water board, needs to assess how drawing water from the Hillsborough could affect the city's drinking water supply. Hillsborough County commissioners also need to ask how skimming up to 15-million gallons of water a day from existing water bodies could affect the natural flow into Tampa Bay. As part of this environmental assessment, Hillsborough should ensure that its growth management policies encourage conservation, instead of adding to the need for new water projects.
Hillsborough's appointment of Commissioner Jan Platt to the water board, replacing Commissioner Ronda Storms, will improve the tone at Tampa Bay Water. Platt knows the damage the water wars can cause. She views the cooperative as a constructive force, and she conducts herself professionally. That will help the board keep a united focus as it works to meet the demand for an additional 8-million gallons a day by 2013.
