The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Monday renewed and modified a water use permit (WUP) for the Aloha Utilities Seven Springs Service Area in Pasco County.
The service area includes approximately 7,300 acres east of New Port Richey and adjacent to State Road 54.
The permit does not increase the annual average permitted quantity of 2,040,000 gallons of water per day (gpd.)
However, it does allow for a temporary increase in peak month quantity, from 2,470,000 gpd to 3,500,000 gpd. This temporary increase will allow the utility to continue to meet peak demands using bulk water purchased from Pasco County.
The utility was notified of overpumping and signed a consent order with the District in Aug. 2002, agreeing to come into compliance. In an effort to be in compliance with its District permit, Aloha Utilities then entered an agreement with Pasco County to purchase up to 5.1 million gallons per day (mgd.) Pasco County agreed to provide 2.4 mgd by Jan. 2008 and the remaining quantity within the next three years.
The peak month quantity will revert to 2,470,000 gpd when the utility receives full delivery of water from Pasco County.
In order to accept the full quantity of water from Pasco County, Aloha Utilities must construct additional water supply facilities at its existing water treatment plant. A special condition of the permit allows the utility to seek Public Service Commission approval for new rates for the amount of water purchased from Pasco County.
Other permit conditions include continued metering and reporting of groundwater withdrawals and the water it purchases from Pasco County. The utility must also report on the implementation of its water conservation plan.
The permit expires Nov. 26, 2013.