The resolution earmarks $5 million a year for the next five years
Traditional water sources are nearing their sustainable limits in Polk County and alternative water sources will need to be developed to meet the projected needs. That's why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted today to approve a resolution for future funding of the Polk Regional Water Cooperative's (PRWC) alternative water supply projects, dedicating $25 million over the next five years.
The PRWC includes elected officials from 16 member governments, consisting of 15 cities and Polk County Government. Their role is to proactively identify alternative water resources and projects that ensure the future sustainability of the regional water supply.
The District's funding will assist in completing alternative water supply projects that can provide an additional 30 million gallons of potable water per day in Polk County. Currently, there are three ongoing alternative water supply projects being evaluated for future development:
Southeast Wellfield project: This project is a Lower Floridan aquifer production test well study, including the conceptual designs of a wellfield, the associated treatment facility and the regional transmission system in southeastern Polk County.
West Polk County Lower Aquifer Deep Wells project: This project is a Lower Floridan aquifer production test well study, including conceptual designs of a wellfield, the associated treatment facility and the regional transmission system in northwest Polk County.
Peace Creek Integrated Water Supply project: This project is a feasibility study focusing on the determination of options to increase alternative water supplies in central Polk County.
The funding commitment will be based on milestones that must be met through fiscal year (FY) 2023.
