New Port Richey outlines potable, wastewater and reuse systems to Tampa Bay Water board

Representatives from the City of New Port Richey presented an overview of the city’s potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water systems to the Tampa Bay Water board on May 19.

Assistant Public Works Director Colin Eichenmueller and Public Works Director Robert Rivera summarized the city’s infrastructure: an average potable delivery of about 5.6 mgd (3.6 mgd to city customers and 1.97 mgd delivered to the regional system via interconnects), nearly 55 miles of potable mains and roughly 18,000 active service connections (with a projected 331 additional connections from the Newport Corners project). The city’s wastewater treatment facility averages about 5.5 mgd, operates at a permitted 7.5 mgd capacity, serves approximately 15,000 connections and provides reclaimed water distribution with about 496 connections (also slated to grow with Newport Corners).

The presenters highlighted recent and ongoing work: a completed smart‑meter replacement project (about 7,400 meters installed), interconnect upgrades with Pasco County and New Port Richey planned on Little Road and Massachusetts Avenue, annual sewer main lining and lift‑station upgrades, and wastewater plant improvements including an aeration tank sealing and clarifier gearbox replacement. The city described plans to convert a Schreiber tank to align with the plant’s oxidation ditches to improve denitrification and reduce maintenance, with an estimated 12–18 month timeline.

Board members asked about PFAS considerations and reclaimed-water metering; presenters said reclaimed flow is metered but currently billed as a flat rate. City representatives noted ongoing efforts to secure appropriations for sewer extension projects (Town and Country/Leisure Lane) and asked for continued coordination where appropriate.

The board received the presentation and moved to receive and file the item.