[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6156177,"mediaKeyId","5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c","parentId",5471402,"title","General manager: supplies stable, desal running; Tampa highlights Tippen plant upgrades and in‑house construction savings","audioSeconds",3270,"startMs",545000,"endMs",3815000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c&start=545&end=3815","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c/thumbnail_545000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6156177/Hillsborough-County/Florida/General-manager-supplies-stable-desal-running-Tampa-highlights-Tippen-plant-upgrades-and-inhouse-construction-savings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156177-911985db2982dbd92c5404e4974bf0a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773548741&Signature=N-oSy5Bvp2VNyJeoa~Nm68W0cxnC0BqoQ2iDLCh3QQ0R~493rkEvN3EFeZY0IcrVop1CZlgu8jSrA1joTKYUlPyH0rpaI4rPvDnzqtqZv6kTxfVEp9VqPhA3urqCQxiQ9qMnRamcDIjRn0OFpvV4q8PThhLLobFkHVVQBeSwNH9Y0cGnkCrDPxnPsicYP6uWIxkGesAg3Vbi2KZWyL6zb8QbRm~6aVaCsKL3rmhhf-8PtRgBDgMLu5059AKHZ-jEBdILH9NgaNLosGNuujsPvht2AXUr3iWqdb-zmTM9hTuZFT~~z02VQpzlflN3ctbg6y~tFxjsbC3W1U0RY7t6gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hillsborough County, FL ","date","2025-07-24T19:14:35Z","article","In the board’s regular report July 21, General Manager Warren Cardin and staff reviewed current supply metrics, drought and permit status, and hurricane readiness measures.
Cardin said through June 30 the agency delivered just over 200 million gallons per day on average—about 1.5 percent lower than the same period last year—and that July projections are on target. He reported reservoir storage well ahead of last year’s low levels, projecting end‑of‑month storage of about 9.5 billion gallons and noting the consolidated well‑field permit limit of 90 million gallons per day with daily pumping around 75.93 million gallons per day. Cardin also said the South Central Hillsborough regional well‑field limit is 24.95 million gallons per day and staff is currently operating at roughly 24.96 million gallons per day; he added the permit is expected to increase to 26.9 million gallons per day in October.
On water quality Cardin summarized federal rulemaking activity related to PFAS and said the agency is monitoring EPA developments and associated litigation. He also said Tampa Bay Water is finalizing a water‑quality study with consultant Corona Engineers and will bring recommendations to the board in coming months.
Hurricane resiliency and preparedness steps Cardin outlined include updated generator agreements with local electric cooperatives, staging a fuel tanker at a regional site through revised fuel contracts, pursuing memoranda of understanding with Hillsborough and Pasco counties to secure fuel access, expanded tree‑trimming, treating and sealing buildings that experienced water damage last season, and hiring an emergency‑management program manager.
Procurement and community outreach: Cardin said the purchasing department received the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement award from the National Procurement Institute for the first time; staff also highlighted community outreach such as participation in the Girl Scouts’ Water Conservation Academy and other educational activities.
City of Tampa presentation: The board received a separate presentation from Rory Jones of the City of Tampa’s water department describing major improvements at the David L. Tippen water treatment facility, including a new high‑service pump station that increased capacity by 140 MGD, a new chlorine contact basin and rehabilitation of clear wells. The city also described in‑house construction efforts that staff said produced about 70 percent savings compared with traditional contracting for certain distribution work and reported savings to date exceeding $1.4 million. Tampa staff outlined additional projects—chemical system improvements, filter upgrades adding 20 MGD of capacity, suspended ion exchange design and planned intake and ozone system work—and noted ongoing challenges from rising construction costs.
No board action was required on the report; members praised staff and the city for preparedness and cost‑saving initiatives.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tampa Bay Water: Regular Board of Directors Meeting - 07.21.25","oneSentenceSummary","General Manager Warren Cardin told the Tampa Bay Water board on July 21 that supplies and reservoir storage are healthy, the agency’s desalination plant is operating as planned, and hurricane‑resiliency and procurement improvements are underway; the board also heard a City of Tampa presentation on major Tippen treatment‑plant upgrades.","taxTitle","Hillsborough County, Florida","taxId",2865,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156186,"Staff previews South Hills well field, reclaimed‑water recharge credits and public meeting Aug. 5",371,2983000,3354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c&start=2983&end=3354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c/thumbnail_2983000.jpg","/articles/6156186/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Staff-previews-South-Hills-well-field-reclaimedwater-recharge-credits-and-public-meeting-Aug-5","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156186-4aee7986d1f8149cf14b91cac6d434b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773548741&Signature=XKJA0Kj6pYdxoY4YdoJoipVJ5Lp57ofzZHtG2v3QGE18Y57YFFiEuubJXNbW5oje9GVb6KFQzkjmjDFXWTh~ygBYWXXdpLGJ4zYer1oRsKwthSv4qiXd0Z3M7oiIacKDKSpmI5PpDthdZe5vnLkZmm13l0wBD7YgUhbhQHbwVe9uXFBGqtVsXlgvyuJ6YwUyZ~5nqVaS0UKGAmy0GTBVtHpHWXcrOafEWh1t8cMYAO9g2jgstXM8E9yTsGLxbXWzBBTmn-zXjr~EArXa0l0thr6IZrJs6cTrq60LNvoYgpLUjnsUBbZzmr1aER3rehXzU1EBRZ7a33mzdkZynLmvBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa Bay Water staff on July 21 provided a status update on the proposed South Hills well field, a new groundwater supply project intended to supplement regional supplies to South Hillsborough County.
Maribel Medina, planning and projects director, described a proposed facility that would include eight production wells and a water‑treatment facility; staff said the field could yield between about 6 million and 12 million gallons per day if approved and permitted. The well sites shown to the board would be colocated with Hillsborough County facilities at the Balm area and adjacent to the proposed pipeline connection point.
Financing and permits: Staff estimated capital costs for the well field and associated collection mains and treatment at roughly $126 million to $160 million. The plan relies in part on water‑use permits and on credits tied to Hillsborough County’s reclaimed‑water recharge program. Staff explained that county injection of reclaimed water along the coast can create a net freshwater benefit at inland well locations by limiting saltwater intrusion; Medina told the board that reclaimed injection up to about 10 million gallons per day could support a freshwater yield on the order of six million gallons per day under the transfer scenario the agencies are exploring.
Property and agreements: Staff said the county has drafted documents to exchange water development rights on a county parcel (the former Cone Ranch area, now part of a county conservation parcel) and to transfer collection main easements and access; county real‑estate review is underway. Tampa Bay Water staff said they expect to return to the board later this year to request approval of early implementation steps and a joint project agreement in which the county would construct some components.
Public outreach: Staff announced a public meeting scheduled for Aug. 5 at the South Shore Regional Library to present the project and take input before returning to the board for further approvals.
Board discussion focused on the technical purpose of reclaimed‑water injections—chiefly to reduce saltwater intrusion along the coast—and on negotiating fair crediting and cost‑sharing terms with Hillsborough County. No board vote was taken on the well‑field project at this briefing.","Tampa Bay Water staff briefed the board July 21 on the proposed South Hills well field—an eight‑well groundwater project estimated to produce roughly 6–12 million gallons per day—and described a plan to use reclaimed‑water recharge credits from Hillsborough County to support freshwater permits; a public meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156191,"Board approves construction‑phase contract amendments for 26‑mile South Hills pipeline; construction could begin this fall",631,1803000,2434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c&start=1803&end=2434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c/thumbnail_1803000.jpg","/articles/6156191/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Board-approves-constructionphase-contract-amendments-for-26mile-South-Hills-pipeline-construction-could-begin-this-fall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156191-6564cc0122afb59fc2bf205f33c72dc1/orig.mp4?Expires=1773548741&Signature=BHIH9zi5qWM6GvbrmEurAdb2ke6MtvpCbUI-dNE8PA50Px6fNA3QC0xsD2220JPI-0Vuui5PyQrLdS4wYzqYcVxUkguR764KIHOuTIYMemGep4eWgOhOZCVNwSk8aCflyaFkgu6UHgUPc4-OxoDjwyJtWPwWMyWu2OrMKX~6hofFev45OIZRtv6HHpKoSYtYolMZnsa2XphJ9rmB5-S0T4W7UHe4RWjPNnSznbugd1-sHA5eRdSk27XAs5hwkpLEDKpbU6-2oH7N5aLMWVa8syuaucFbu7r~i5B1T-3SpSgpYuPEPaded5okTumSE~jcPACfVCyyb~fiqv3S1BQ4oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa Bay Water on July 21 approved construction‑phase amendments to engineering and program‑management contracts for the South Hillsborough pipeline project, a roughly 26‑mile transmission main designed to deliver up to 65 million gallons per day to South Hillsborough County.
Maribel Medina, planning and projects director, presented the three related agenda items (C1–C3) and requested approval for amendments to the engineer‑of‑record and program management contracts. “Today I will request your approval for agenda items C1, C2, and C3 which are closely related and pertain to the construction phase of the South Hills project,” Medina told the board. The board voted unanimously to approve the items.
What the board approved: The three actions approve construction‑phase work with (1) Wait Trim Inc. for Segment A construction engineering and inspection (contract amendment C1), (2) Stantec Consulting Services for construction engineering services for Segment B (C2; staff reported the Stantec amendment is for $6,900,000), and (3) a first 12‑month amendment for program and project management and staff augmentation with Black & Veatch (C3). The Stantec amount was disclosed during the presentation; the board record did not state the exact dollar amounts for the Wait Trim and Black & Veatch amendments at the time of the vote.
Project schedule and sequencing: Staff said the project has reached 90 percent design and that construction could start as early as this fall for trenchless/tunneling operations on Segment A, followed by tunneling in Segment B in summer 2026. Open‑cut pipe installation is scheduled to begin in 2026; flushing, disinfection and commissioning are planned for fall 2028 with final restoration and closeout continuing into 2029.
Permits, easements and budget: The project requires 29 permits; nine permit applications have been submitted and one permit has been issued. Easement acquisition is in progress: staff reported 89 easements obtained (41 percent of the project total) and that 112 parcels were included in eminent‑domain resolutions previously approved by the board; three of those parcels have been filed in court. Staff said 17 remaining parcels are owned by Hillsborough County, the ELAP program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and TECO. Staff told the board that construction manager‑at‑risk packages (GMPs) have been approved for earlier work; the next GMP for open‑cut work will be bid and returned for board consideration.
Cost and staffing approach: Medina said the agency has budgeted program and construction management support and that the Black & Veatch amendment will be funded by Tampa Bay Water and reimbursements from Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District as applicable. She told the board the project budget includes allowances for project management and that, to date, program management costs are within projected percentages.
Board action: Each amendment passed unanimously on recorded voice votes. The board did not change the underlying project scope or schedule during the vote.
What was not decided: No construction contracts for the open‑cut packages were awarded at this meeting; those bids will be returned to the board for approval when received.","Tampa Bay Water approved amendments with design and program‑management teams to support construction of the South Hillsborough pipeline (26 miles, up to 65 MGD). Board members were told construction could begin as early as this fall pending permits and easement acquisition; staff said open‑cut work is scheduled for 2026 and pipeline commissioning ",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156196,"Tampa Bay Water to receive roughly $23–$24 million gross from PFAS litigation; board to track proceeds in separate fund",587,1188000,1775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c&start=1188&end=1775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c/thumbnail_1188000.jpg","/articles/6156196/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Tampa-Bay-Water-to-receive-roughly-2324-million-gross-from-PFAS-litigation-board-to-track-proceeds-in-separate-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156196-0fed40433611b5449675898fc52c9b57/orig.mp4?Expires=1773548741&Signature=RFFYD6a4cRy7Pw2Yskzin-8XiX657wMvFTCPAiqeXcWmJb093nafvnV5g5CKucX0HhsGglt3KOJ7lBbD7VHCbqkun7VPudpchdMQNGacTrE5DFgLpsgDWLZZ2Ep5X6FnZUjx2n8SQMMHIvHUcGjaMCk4AHYzo-39lmdZmmT--TKuPBV765BbWKE6qzAZoAD3sIzFw8tiJwlr5YWmrycMdpw~QGTyzv46BJOukuIxiMT0o1z~wlb870gMGF63pyD8H8xRK7vsGc6fJecDm0o147bkUQosbiZWE7WqzwjjHvIyZz~8l4YoDRzoTLn5s6w4Mm4N6hf4pd7kK9UZKtPMOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa Bay Water officials told the board Monday that the agency has reached a gross settlement in the nationwide litigation over PFAS manufacturing and will receive roughly $23 million to $24 million, with net proceeds estimated at $17 million to $18 million. Augie Ribeiro, outside counsel with Ventura Law, said about 90 percent of the award comes from 3M and the remainder from DuPont and other defendants.
The board was briefed on the distribution schedule and financial controls. “We’ve made a payment, one payment was made, last month. And I have another check here today to drop off,” Christina, a Tampa Bay Water staff member handling the financial update, told the board. Christina said the agency expects to receive about 65 percent of the total award by the end of this year and the remaining roughly 35 percent over the next four to five years. The board directed staff to establish a separate fund to track the settlement proceeds and any interest earned until the board decides on appropriation.
Why it matters: The money is intended to address legacy contamination and water-quality needs connected to PFAS impacts. Board members repeatedly framed the award as an opportunity to invest in water quality and public health; they also praised staff and outside counsel for pursuing litigation where other utilities did not.
How the settlement developed: Ribeiro outlined the agency’s role in earlier phases of the litigation: Tampa Bay Water joined national cases in 2019–2020 and performed supplemental testing that supported claims against component manufacturers of PFAS and PFOA. “Because this board gave us authority in 2020, the amount that we settled for Tampa Bay Water was a 25% increase,” Ribeiro said during his presentation. He characterized the result as a gross award of about $23–$24 million and estimated the immediate, resolved portion at about $21.7 million; additional recoveries from remaining defendants could increase the total.
Board direction and next steps: The board approved staff’s plan to create a distinct accounting fund—similar to the agency’s handling of bond proceeds—so the settlement and any earned interest are tracked separately. Staff said they will return with options for use of the funds after internal review and legal constraints are fully documented. Board members emphasized water-quality uses as the first priority but did not make a spending decision Monday.
What was not decided: The board did not commit to any expenditure plan; members declined to earmark funds at the meeting and said they expect a future discussion that will include staff recommendations and legal restrictions, if any. The timing of some smaller additional payments remains uncertain and depends on ongoing litigation against other defendants.
Evidence and quotes are from the board meeting presentation and public discussion on July 21, 2025.","Tampa Bay Water announced a gross settlement award of about $23–$24 million from nationwide PFAS litigation, with net proceeds estimated at $17–$18 million. The board was told initial payments are arriving this year and staff will place receipts and interest into a dedicated fund while the board decides how to spend the money.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156181,"Board hires Baker Tilly for 2025 performance audit and management study at not‑to‑exceed $125,000",498,2897000,3395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c&start=2897&end=3395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471402-229ae5affeaad6205c8e686efe9a593c/thumbnail_2897000.jpg","/articles/6156181/Hillsborough-County/Florida/Board-hires-Baker-Tilly-for-2025-performance-audit-and-management-study-at-nottoexceed-125000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156181-54364910ae454e0653d12cd7cd80fc66/orig.mp4?Expires=1773548741&Signature=FDK4rnfL41UyY7p~YUFODb0qeXAmFbf61ZyfLKH31XnrQ65BTujqXGn3kHJ~Y1AaO6pYd1gNIjPuuKH9QUGqFM9h31xNy2ZyFYmSfyK7zQ64r35TtGILEMHDnVy3f1ydDLPSQrqLWZqSEKDM-KZLuC6t9ZP~nElMa~Arsk5dgQOZRRl96F7DSAGhMDcVl6GnPmSkdfuDFQiJ4bVCS45wG1a~BMKEFHccg5MX2duzzKE-67KJZMluSJPxNErtY5Xev8bW2ekZ-LUpTmVJ7qsMq5A4sYV0dmjN~6FjSIiHVNvZMo28uS6DK8s83kVlHEB~DvhQ03-kfObr74TTlagAKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tampa Bay Water on July 21 approved a contract with Baker Tilly Advisory Group to perform the agency’s 2025 performance audit and management study in an amount not to exceed $125,000. The audit is required by the agency’s interlocal agreements every five years, staff said.
Michelle Stump, chief of staff and chief strategy officer, explained the procurement and the selection: the agency received nine proposals and a staff selection committee recommended Baker Tilly as the top ranked firm. Baker Tilly principal Caitlin Umrickhouse described the firm’s approach: the study will be anchored to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Effective Utility Management framework (updated 2024) and will include data analysis, an employee survey, interviews and focus groups with board and member‑government representatives, peer benchmarking and a final implementation action plan.
“There will be six key activities ranging from establishing a project steering committee and finalizing a work plan, to peer benchmarking and preparing an implementation action plan,” Umrickhouse said. Staff said the contract would begin immediately if the Board approved and deliver a final report and implementation action plan by February 2026.
Board members supported the selection and emphasized timely, candid findings and actionable recommendations. The board recorded a unanimous vote to approve the contract.","Tampa Bay Water approved a contract with Baker Tilly Advisory Group for a 2025 performance audit and management study not to exceed $125,000. The audit will run through February 2026 and use EPA’s Effective Utility Management framework; staff said the study will include employee surveys, peer benchmarking and an implementation action plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

General manager: supplies stable, desal running; Tampa highlights Tippen plant upgrades and in‑house construction savings

Staff previews South Hills well field, reclaimed‑water recharge credits and public meeting Aug. 5

Board approves construction‑phase contract amendments for 26‑mile South Hills pipeline; construction could begin this fall

Tampa Bay Water to receive roughly $23–$24 million gross from PFAS litigation; board to track proceeds in separate fund

Board hires Baker Tilly for 2025 performance audit and management study at not‑to‑exceed $125,000