Unique Intergovernmental Partnership Solves Long Standing Public Water Supply Problems for Customers, County and State Government in Pasco County

Pasco County is one of 67 county governments (political subdivisions) in Florida and is situated on the central west coastline of the State.The combined efforts of the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC), Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Pasco County government, a senior State Legislator, utility customers and others had not been successful in correcting significant groundwater over pumping and poor water quality and service from being delivered to water utility customers in south Pasco County. Despite heavy fines, lawsuits, regular customer protests and intense pressure on the PSC, these conditions persisted for nearly two decades for customers of the former Aloha Utilities Inc. system.However, a partnership with a little known special purpose unit of local government focused on water and wastewater utility issues known as the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), Pasco County and SWFWMD finally brought a resolution. At the invitation of Pasco County and utility customers, the FGUA negotiated to acquire the utility from the private investors in 2009, negotiated a corrective action plan with the SWFWMD, secured financing and worked closely with customers to commence the fix. Customers represented by the highly organized Committee for Better Water Now (CBWN), advocated rate adjustments to provide required funding and met regularly with the FGUA to monitor progress on the capital improvement plan.On August 25, 2011, as committed to SWFWMD, county government and customers, the FGUA began pumping groundwater to over 23,000 customers within permitted capacities (2mgd versus nearly 4mgd under the private owner) from 8 wells using an advanced water treatment and odor control plant. Water delivered to customers which had historically been black, odorous and corrosive now exceeded standards for clarity and disinfection. Groundwater withdrawal reductions were made possible using five new potable water interconnections with Pasco County which have automated controls to deliver water needed in excess of well permit levels.The presentation will highlight the expeditious and cost effective results which can occur to resolve environmental/public health issues through innovation and close collaboration with other key governmental and citizen stakeholders.