Titusville delays brackish‑water feasibility study for TEC review after council questions scope and brine disposal

The Titusville City Council voted on March 10 to table a proposed $96,290 task order to CDM Smith for a brackish‑water feasibility study and asked the city’s Technical Advisory Committee (TEC) to review alternatives before staff proceeds.

Staff described three main alternatives in the task order: deep aquifer sources (upper and lower Floridian aquifers) and Indian River Lagoon desalination; the package could involve brackish groundwater or, if lagoon water proved best, a seawater desalination‑type option. The memo also noted reclaimed water and aquifer‑storage‑and‑recovery as possible adjuncts.

Member Moscoso pressed staff on why the study focused on a brackish option rather than a broader comparative analysis and raised questions about the cost and the brine/discharge challenges associated with desalination. Public Works staff (referred to during the meeting as Sandy) said the task order covers the options listed and that adding a high‑level scan of additional alternatives was possible but would increase the price and delay the schedule by perhaps six months.

Council also discussed timing: the city’s consumptive‑use permit and allocation conversation with St. Johns River Water Management District creates a planning horizon (staff cited 2031 as a target for demonstrating alternative water‑supply work). Several members said although the city is not in an emergency they wanted to be proactive rather than wait until shortages force emergency action.

After discussion, Member Nelson moved to table the item to the council meeting on April 28 and asked TEC to review and provide recommendations. The motion passed on roll call.

City staff noted that the study is intended to give the council options rather than a commitment to build a particular plant, and they offered to add an expanded, higher‑level review to the scope if that was the council’s direction.