Tampa Bay Water Regular Board Meeting - July 27, 2026

Note: The meeting date is provided as July 27, 2026, though the transcript indicates July 20, 2026. This summary uses the provided date.

This regular board meeting of Tampa Bay Water covered drought conditions, water supply updates, approvals of a well field land exchange and a bond resolution, and presentations on member government projects, a 20-year system analysis, and construction progress. The meeting began with a deferral of an eminent domain settlement item due to last-minute condition changes.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda item C1 (eminent domain settlement with Fishhawk Ranch CDD 4 for the South Hillsborough Pipeline Project) was deferred because several conditions for the easements were modified after the agenda packet was published. The primary settlement amount was unaffected. The item will be brought back at a future meeting.
• The remaining consent agenda items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Geddes Jr. spoke about alleged deceptive practices related to reclaimed water variances. He claimed that the variance grants development rights, permits entry onto properties, and infringes on constitutional rights. He referenced multiple statutes, ordinances, and historical documents. The speaker did not represent a specific organization.

Discussion Items

• General Manager's Report (V1): Chuck Carden and Warren provided a drought update. June rainfall averaged just over 3 inches (normal 8). The Hillsborough River flow in July is the fourth lowest in 50 years. The regional reservoir is at 2.12 billion gallons (13.5% capacity). For the first time since October 2025, water was being harvested into the reservoir at 47 million gallons per day from the Alifia River (17 million to reservoir). Water use is 207.9 million gallons per day, 4% higher than last year. Phase 3 water restrictions remain through October 1. The East Pasco Well Field test well reached 2,850 feet. Legislative updates: $500,000 state funding for SCADA; $100 million authorization in WRDA; three community project funding requests totaling ~$2.1 million. Commissioner Wastel discussed data center water use; Warren explained that the water management district now requires permitting for data centers. Commissioner Eggers emphasized the need for a second reservoir; three feasibility studies are underway (expansion at current site, Lake Tarpon, Little Manatee River).
• C2: South Hillsborough Well Field Land Exchange and Easement Agreement with Hillsborough County: Maribel Medina presented an interlocal agreement to exchange Tampa Bay Water's water supply development rights at the Lower Green Swamp Preserve for approximately 5 acres of easements within the Stacy R. White Nature Preserve at no cost, plus acquisition of 4.7 acres of utility corridor easements for $66,000. The well field will include eight production wells; one already exists. The agreement was approved unanimously.
• C3: Supplemental Bond Resolution 2026-002: Christina Sacket, with PFM Financial Advisors and bond counsel, presented the issuance of $292 million in new money bonds (2026A) to fund capital projects, and refunding of 2016A bonds (2026B) for savings. Parameters: 2026A up to $325 million, true interest cost ≤5.5%, final maturity 2056; 2026B up to $100 million, true interest cost ≤4.5%, present value savings ≥3% of refunded amount. The refunding is expected to produce ~$7.8 million in net present value savings. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• D1: Member Government Report from the City of New Port Richey: Colin Eichenmuller presented updates on the city's potable water (5.6 MGD avg), sanitary sewer (5.5 MGD), and reclaimed water systems (5-5.5 MGD). Key projects: West Grand neighborhood utility upgrades, smart meter replacement, reclaim system expansion needs assessment, and wastewater treatment plant improvements (Schreiber tank conversion, aeration refurbishment). No action required.
• D2: 2045 System Hydraulic and Emergency Scenario Analysis: Eliana Lara presented findings from a comprehensive evaluation. Eight hydraulic capacity improvement concepts were identified; recommended: Cypress Creek Repump mode, Morris Bridge pump station upgrades, adding pumps at Lake Bridge Booster Station. Other concepts were deferred. Emergency scenarios: 20 analyzed, 8 critical outages identified; recommendations include developing emergency operating procedures and improving interconnections. Power outage analysis showed backup power deficits for 2045; recommendations include remote monitoring, increased generator capacity, and coordination with electric utilities. No action required.
• D3: Construction Status Update on South Hillsborough Pipeline and Surface Water Treatment Plant Expansion: Danielle Kercy reported the pipeline is 5% complete (20% of budget spent), and the surface water plant expansion is 6% complete (17% of budget spent). A 48-inch pipe was successfully pulled under Little Fishhawk Creek. Complaints are tracked via a stakeholder database. Commissioner Wastel requested that the project team email be provided to all Hillsborough County commissioners for efficient complaint tracking.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda item C1 deferred to a future meeting.
• Consent agenda (excluding C1) approved unanimously.
• C2 (South Hillsborough Well Field Land Exchange) approved unanimously.
• C3 (Bond Resolution 2026-002) approved unanimously.
• Receive and file of administrative items approved unanimously.
• No other formal votes taken.