Commissioners Talk Water Improvements

Pinellas County Utilities is working on a deal with Tampa Bay Water that could result in better quality water and a more efficient delivery system for local residents.

The project also involves replacement of Utilities' oldest pump station, which is over 60-years old and at or past its useful life, according to Kevin Becotte, interim director of Pinellas County Utilities.

County Administrator Bob LaSala began the discussion reminding the commission that it had established a capital improvement project for a blending plant in conjunction with Tampa Bay Water. He said initial estimates for the project were in the neighborhood of $80 to $120 million.

However, the initial estimate included the building of a very expensive water processing plant and other improvements to the system. Even reverse osmosis, Commission Ken Welch recalled.

LaSala said thanks to today's science and technology, "we concluded there is an alternative approach...