Tampa Bay Water has broken ground on a $181 million expansion of its Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant that will add up to 12.5 million gallons of drinking water capacity per day by 2028.
The additional capacity is projected to meet regional demand through 2033 across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey.
The plant supplies drinking water to more than 2.6 million residents and is a primary component of the region’s long-term growth infrastructure.
“We continually plan for the future so residents can turn on their taps with confidence,” said Chuck Carden, Tampa Bay Water’s general manager.
Expanding capacity within existing limits
The Clearwater facility anchors Tampa Bay Water’s Enhanced Surface Water System, developed to reduce groundwater pumping after years of aquifer stress damaged regional lakes and wetlands.
By shifting a significant share of production to treated river water, the agency reduced pressure on aquifers and supported environmental recovery across parts of the tri-county area.
The expansion increases surface water treatment capacity without increasing permitted river withdrawals. Engineers will scale existing systems to enable the plant to capture and treat more available surface water, particularly during periods of rainfall.
The project includes new piping and valves connecting onsite storage to the plant’s influent system, expansion of the ACTIFLO clarification process that removes color and suspended particles, additional ozone treatment capacity for primary disinfection and expanded biologically active filtration to remove organic material.
Secondary disinfection systems and residuals processing capacity will also increase to handle higher output.
“We’re expanding key treatment processes at the plant to increase capacity while building on what already works,” said Mike Kuhn, Veolia’s director of capital management. Veolia operates the plant under contract with Tampa Bay Water.
CDM Smith is leading construction while the facility remains fully operational.
“We’re focused on expanding the plant while keeping it running every day for the communities that rely on it,” said Frank Terrasi, president of CDM Constructors.
The project is funded through revenue bonds and federal and state grants. As a wholesale supplier, Tampa Bay Water sells treated water to its member governments, which then distribute it to homes and businesses throughout the region.
Under its Long-term Master Water Plan, the agency projects the Tampa Bay area will require up to 38 million additional gallons per day by 2043. The current expansion addresses near-term demand while broader supply planning continues.
Water supply capacity factors into development approvals, large-scale site planning and long-term capital investment decisions. Utilities must demonstrate reliable service before residential subdivisions, office campuses and industrial facilities can move forward.
By expanding treatment capacity within existing environmental limits, Tampa Bay Water strengthens a foundational system that underpins continued economic growth across the region.
Construction will continue through 2028, when the additional 12.5 million gallons per day is expected to come online.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on Tampa Bay business news, executive profiles and the companies shaping the region.
