County hears water authority briefing; officials say regional storage gives roughly one year of supply

At the Jan. 28 meeting commissioners received an informational briefing on the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority agenda and the region’s water-supply status. The update, presented by Ken Stecker of the county utility department, covered the authority’s upcoming board meeting agenda and recent water-supply reports.

Stecker summarized agenda items that include officer elections, year‑end financial reports, and a fiscal‑year 2026 budget review. He described the water‑supply condition report, long‑term financing updates and an owner‑directed purchase for surface‑water supply expansion projects that will be on the authority’s agenda.

Commissioners and staff discussed regional storage and drought resilience. County leadership said current reservoirs provide roughly one year of above‑ground storage to meet the authority’s combined needs if river diversions were paused. Commissioner Doherty, referencing his experience on the water‑authority board, said storage and planning have put the county ahead of many neighboring jurisdictions.

A public commenter, Tim Ritchie, warned of drought risk and called for caution on current water‑use permits and future development. Ritchie referenced reported well declines in Cape Coral and argued that broader regional planning should guard against shortages.

County and water‑authority speakers noted that Manatee County is not currently taking water from the authority and that the planned surface-water expansion projects (including the reservoir program) will improve long‑term capacity.

No board action was required on the informational item; the briefing closed with direction to monitor ongoing water‑supply reports and to continue regional coordination through the authority.