Tampa Bay Water Board Meeting - February 2, 2026

The Tampa Bay Water Board met on February 2, 2026, at 2:30 PM UTC. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments, water supply and demand updates, legislative and funding strategies, a water quality compliance plan, and a concept to jointly use City of Tampa aquifer storage and recovery wells. The board approved consent items, a delegation of authority update, and a contract amendment for the Cypress Creek valve project.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by a vote of 7-0 (with one member voting remotely).

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Ballard Geddes Jr. (Palm Harbor resident) opposed Pinellas County requirements for homeowners to replace water pipes under homes, arguing the county knew about lead issues and is improperly claiming private property. He also criticized the surface water assessment fee as a non-ad valorem tax lien that could lead to foreclosure.
• Mark Luther criticized the Tampa Bay Waterwise program, calling it ineffective and pointing to poor landscaping, lighting, and water conservation efforts. He referenced headlines on climate regulation, PFAS settlements, and ecological tipping points, expressing frustration with the agency's direction.

Discussion Items

• General Manager's Report (Chuck Carden): Received a $96,000 annual dividend from Withlacoochee River Electric. The performance audit and management study are in final draft and will be presented in February. The 2027 budget process is underway, with member meetings in March, a workshop in April, and final approval in May. Community engagement included STEM Explorer Fest and a leadership panel. A $1 million request for SCADA modernization and a $2 million request for surface water treatment plant expansion were filed in Tallahassee.
• Legislative and Grant Funding Update (Brant Bartlett, Peter Dunbar, Matthew Blair, Mary Beth Nassif): The state legislative session is in week three; relationships between the Governor, House, and Senate are strained, potentially delaying the budget. Tampa Bay Water has two appropriation requests: $2 million for surface water resilience and $1 million for SCADA technology. At the federal level, six of 12 FY2026 appropriations bills have been enacted, with a potential continuing resolution. A Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) request for up to $100 million in authorization has been submitted to five House members to pursue future funding for water supply storage and treatment infrastructure. Two earmarks for capital improvement projects are also being pursued.
• Water Conservation and Protection Mini Grant Program (Brandon Moore): Seven grants totaling $53,000 were awarded to organizations: Florida Polytechnic University ($5,000), Girl Scouts of West Central Florida ($10,000), Marine Exploration Center ($7,200), Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project ($8,000), Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education ($10,000), Tampa Bay Waterkeeper ($8,800), and Wellswood Civic Association ($4,000). Projects focus on water conservation and source water protection education. 2025 projects reached 50,000 people, removed nearly 10,000 pounds of trash, and engaged 400 volunteers.
• Delegation of Authority Policy Update (Kelly Fernandez): The board approved an update to align the general manager's authority for legal settlements and property matters with his purchasing authority, which had been previously revised. (Vote: 8-0).
• Cypress Creek Water Treatment Plant 72-inch Valve Project (Danielle Kiersey): Approved a $4,278,942 contract amendment with PCL Construction for early procurement of materials (steel pipe, valves, static mixers, venturi meter). The agency expects to save over $220,000 by directly purchasing materials to avoid sales tax. (Vote: unanimous).
• Water Supply and Demand Report (Warren Hogg): The region is in moderate to severe drought due to a dry start to the water year. The Southwest Florida Water Management District may implement one-day-a-week water restrictions starting February 8. Tampa Bay Water delivered 208.16 million gallons per day (MGD) in the first three months of the fiscal year, 4.5% higher than the prior year. South Hillsborough County demand reached a record 59.6 MGD in December. The desalination plant is online at 14-15 MGD. The consolidated permit well field is at 84.9 MGD (below the 90 MGD limit), but spring demand is expected to approach the limit.
• Water Quality Update (Steve Fleischhecker): Tampa Bay Water meets all current drinking water standards. The agency must comply with EPA PFAS limits by April 2029, but EPA may extend deadlines due to litigation. The Regional Water Quality Study Update recommends PFAS treatment at three locations and TOC (organic carbon) treatment in phases over 15 years. Staff will discuss cost estimates with utility directors and return to the board later.
• Concept to Jointly Use City of Tampa ASR Wells (Chuck Carden): Staff presented a high-level concept to co-permit the city's eight aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) wells as a regional facility, allowing withdrawal of up to 3.28 MGD from high river flows. This could defer new supply development and provide cost savings. The board discussed legal and financial risks, and staff will continue discussions with the city.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (7-0).
• Delegation of authority policy update approved (8-0).
• Cypress Creek valve project contract amendment approved (unanimous).
• Receive and file of administrative matters approved (unanimous).
• The board moved to a private attorney-client session to discuss litigation with Polk Regional Water Cooperative and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
• The meeting was adjourned after the closed session.