The commissioners had originally opposed a state permit for the plant, arguing that the plant's salty discharge could harm aquatic habitats for fish and sea grasses. Their resistance was overcome by an insurance policy worth as much as $30 million to cover environmental damage. The plant's owners may also have to forfeit an $8.5 million performance bond if environmental problems arise.
Tampa Bay Desal, a private firm, will own and operate the $110 million plant--it will be the largest in the country. Tampa Bay Water, the regional agency that supplies water to local governments in the region, will buy the desalinated water for at least 30 years. The plant will produce 25 million gallons of water a day, which will be blended with well water and water from other sources before being delivered to customers' taps. "Desalination is part of a balance," says Chris Hart, a Hillsborough County commissioner who also serves on the board of Tampa Bay Water. "We have to stop our dependence on groundwater."
Technological advances have driven down the cost of desalination in recent years, making the oceans and saltwater bays an increasingly attractive source for drinking water. That is especially true in drought-plagued Florida, where some groundwater supplies have been overtapped, causing lakes and marshes to drain. The city of Venice is considering building a desalination plant. So, the plant on Tampa Bay, expected to open in December of next year, may be the first of several in that populous area.
