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Punta Gorda moves to coordinate water supply with county; staff tests Aliko Citrus ponds as seasonal backup
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Summary
Council approved an interlocal planning agreement with Charlotte County and staff reported exploratory work with Aliko Citrus to sample about 400 million gallons in tailwater ponds as a possible seasonal supplement to Shell Creek and Myrtle Creek flows.
City staff told the advisory board that the council approved an interlocal agreement with Charlotte County to coordinate water supply and wastewater planning and that staff are pursuing multiple supply options to bridge demand until planned expansion is complete.
The utilities presenter described initiating discussions with the Peace River Regional Water Supply Authority and coordinating with the Southwest Florida Water Management District on potential permit adjustments; council prioritized the Peace River option.
Separately, staff described outreach from Aliko Citrus offering access to roughly 400,000,000 gallons in QTL tailwater ponds that could supplement Shell Creek flows seasonally. "Swift Mud and DEP are in favor of this, and we're gonna be doing some sampling to see if it's actually usable," the presenter said. Staff cautioned that operational costs and pumping logistics will affect feasibility.
Why it matters: Regional coordination and alternative seasonal supplies could reduce stress on existing sources during drought and peak demand, but staff noted environmental, permitting and transport costs must be evaluated.
What’s next: DEP and Swift Mud sampling will determine water quality and whether discharge into Myrtle Creek is permissible; staff said they will return with feasibility findings before any withdrawals occur.
