Rehydration -- Sustaining a Critical Water Resource

The need for public water supply in west central Florida has reached a critical juncture. Groundwater, long the primary source of potable water is a source is finite. Though the Floridan aquifer is arguably one of the most productive groundwater aquifers, this production has impacts. Regulatory agencies have mandated that groundwater pumpage be reduced over the next ten years to reduce the historic impacts of pumpage. Tampa Bay Water, the regional water supply utility for the tri-county area comprised of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, is actively pursuing additional alternative water supplies including desalination and reverse osmosis. Even with the potential for these new supplies, maintaining the ability to continue to withdrawal groundwater supplies is essential. The essential question remains: How can you mitigate for the impacts of groundwater withdrawal while maintaining sufficient supplies? The answer is rehydration — a method for Sustaining a Critical Water Resource.