Manatee County projects need for Peace River water around 2036; board sends annual projection to regional authority
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Summary
Utilities staff told commissioners the county's water-use study indicates Manatee would likely require Peace River authority supplies by 2036 if current patterns continue; staff said they are pursuing permit increases and other supply measures to delay or reduce that need.
Manatee County utilities staff told the Board on Dec. 18 that, under current consumption and growth assumptions, the county’s forecast indicates it may need to call on the Peace River Regional Water Supply Authority (PRWA) as an external raw-water source by about 2036. The county submitted the annual notification letter that PRWA requires as a seven-year notice to allow the authority to plan conveyance and treatment infrastructure.
Staff described several parallel strategies to manage demand and delay reliance on PRWA water: seeking additional allocations through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), maximizing Lake Manatee allocations where appropriate, and increasing local well-field capacity (East County well fields). Commissioners were told the county’s average daily demand has grown from roughly mid-40s MGD several years ago to about 52 MGD in recent months.
Commissioners noted the substantial capital costs likely involved in piping PRWA water to Manatee County and asked staff to pursue cost-estimate work and coordination with PRWA leadership. PRWA members including Sarasota and DeSoto counties already are participants in planning and infrastructure efforts; staff warned that PRWA supply and storage capacity and regional drought conditions could affect availability and timeline.
What happens next: Manatee County will submit the annual projections to PRWA and continue permitting and allocation efforts; staff said a detailed cost estimate and continued interagency coordination will be key inputs for future budget and policy decisions.
