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Hernando County adopts updated wellhead protection ordinance and approving resolution, 5-0
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Summary
The Hernando County Commission unanimously adopted an updated wellhead protection ordinance and a supporting resolution Jan. 13, 2026, accepting new hydraulic modeling and revised maps; county staff said the changes align with state rules and generally do not add new local restrictions.
Hernando County commissioners unanimously adopted an updated wellhead protection ordinance (Ordinance 2026-03) and a separate resolution supporting the ordinance on Jan. 13, 2026.
Brad Smith, interim utilities director for Hernando County, told the board he brought a revised ordinance that updates wellhead protection maps and special protection areas to reflect a 2021 water master plan and changes in state and county codes. "This does not change how the ordinance is applied," Smith said, adding the update primarily revises maps and definitions rather than altering how staff applies protections to parcels.
The update relies on new hydraulic modeling. Omar De Pablo, the county's development services director, explained that mapping divides areas by distance and flow toward wells, with different constraints closer to a well. He said the updated modeling generally followed state rules and often reduced constrained areas for property owners in some places. "That tail has now shrunk and made that property more usable," De Pablo said, citing a parcel along Spring Hill Drive as an example.
Commissioner Champion asked whether the ordinance imposed any additional local requirements beyond state or federal rules; Smith deferred technical confirmation to staff and De Pablo, who said the revisions reflect new studies and legislation rather than adding new local controls. Commissioner Chauvin echoed that view, stating the update did not add requirements beyond what is legally required.
During the public-comment period, Todd Carollo, speaking for the Sierra Club Adventure Coast Group, urged the commission to approve the update, saying it "is really important that we integrate new science into the findings that regulate what we can do and what we can't do" to help keep water near wells clean.
After discussion, Commissioner Ansler moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-03; Commissioner Champion seconded. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote: Commissioners Ansler, Hawkins, Loco, Champion and Chairman Campbell each voted "Aye." The motion carried 5-0. The commission then approved a resolution supporting the ordinance—identifying the use of the new hydraulic modeling—by a recorded voice vote, also 5-0.
The board adjourned the special meeting and said it would reconvene at 5:27 p.m.
