Dunedin invests $161M in water infrastructure to combat rising operational costs

The City Commission Workshop held on May 7, 2025, in Dunedin, Florida, focused on the city's water and wastewater infrastructure, highlighting significant operational statistics and financial considerations.

City officials reported that Dunedin operates with approximately 88 employees, producing an average of 3.4 million gallons of water daily and treating about 3.7 million gallons of wastewater. The city also generates 2.8 million gallons of reclaimed water each day. The extensive infrastructure includes over 173 miles of water mains, 152 miles of sewer mains, and 78 miles of reclaimed water mains, with a total investment of around $161 million. When adjusted for inflation, this figure could rise to approximately $382 million.

A key discussion point was the impact of inflation on operational costs, particularly in the utility sector. Officials noted that rising energy prices and other factors have contributed to significant cost increases. Personnel costs have also surged since 2023, driven by the need to retain staff amid competition from other municipalities. A PACE study was conducted to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce to ensure efficient operations.

The meeting underscored the critical role of experienced operators in managing the city's wastewater treatment plant, which requires precise chemical balances and operational knowledge. Officials stressed that investing in staff training and retention is essential for maintaining cost-effective and reliable utility services.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the city's commitment to investing in its water and wastewater infrastructure while addressing the challenges posed by inflation and workforce retention. The discussions will inform future strategies to enhance operational efficiency and service quality for Dunedin residents.