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Tarpon Springs water study shows reliance on RO plant after wells offline for PFAS; projects funded with PFAS settlement planned
Summary
Public‑works staff told commissioners that several freshwater wells were taken offline (including two in 2023 after PFAS rules), increasing use of the RO plant and driving higher salinity and operating costs; the city plans PFAS‑funded projects and brackish‑well drilling to restore supply.
Tommy Kiger, the city’s public services director, told the commission the most recent water‑supply study shows the city has moved toward near‑exclusive reliance on reverse‑osmosis (RO) treatment after several freshwater wells were taken offline in the 2010s and two more in 2023 because of PFAS rules. "We currently have 17 [wells]... 5 of those freshwater wells were taken offline in the 20 tens, and 2 wells were taken offline in 2023 due to the new PFAS regulations from EPA," Kiger said.
Kiger said the heavier RO reliance is increasing salinity and electrical costs at the plant. To address the shortfall, the city is pursuing three projects in design funded with PFAS settlement money and water impact fees: two brackish wells for the RO plant and PFAS treatment to get the Gross Avenue well back online. "We're currently in design on all 3 of those projects, and we're optimistic that we can fully fund those with the PFAS funds and with water impact fees," he said.
Commissioners probed alternatives, including importing water from Pinellas County via interconnects. Kiger said imports could be used as a short‑term managerial strategy but would be more expensive long term and would not pass through the RO plant, instead entering the distribution system directly.
The city framed conservation as part of the response: staff said year‑round one‑day‑a‑week restrictions are in place and conservation‑oriented rate structures apply a higher marginal price to heavy use, both measures intended to moderate demand while capital projects come online.
