11-Year-Old Water Supply Project to See Light of Day — Finally

The public is invited to a ceremony at 4 p.m. Tuesday that will mark the pinnacle of an 11-year-old city water supply project. 

It was the early 2000s when Tarpon Springs officials became concerned with local control over the city's water supply, which came from a regional distributor. Tarpon Springs Commissioners began researching the possibility of controlling their own supply. 

According to city records, the idea was originally thrust into the public limelight in 2002.

Results from the many tests conducted by engineering gurus and consulting firms showed that an Alternative Water Supply facility in Tarpon Springs would eliminate the effects of droughts and give more control to the local government on how the water is treated and priced.

"We wanted to be able to develop our own water supply so that we could have more control over the water that we drink and the projects and costs of that water," Tarpon Springs Public Services Director Paul Smith said.

The issue went to a public vote in 2006, before Vice Mayor Chris Alahouzos and City Manager Mark LeCouris were on the Board of Commissioners. 

"It has been a long haul," Alahouzos said. "I feel like we have the orders from the people of Tarpon Springs to go ahead and make this a reality."

Residents of Tarpon Springs were heard loud and clear with a 70 percent "yes" vote in favor of pursuing the project.

LeCouris said that a private water supply offers assurance as well as independence.

"Water is one of the resources you like to have control over in a community and not be reliant on others," LeCouris said.

In 2007, the city purchased the land that would be used for the construction of the facility. It is located at 1624 Industrial Blvd. inside Anclote Industrial Park in Tarpon Springs.

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So what took so long?

LeCouris said that a string of claims against the city led to a legal battle with Tarpon Springs resident Henry Ross.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Ross was concerned with the wildlife near the facility. He questioned how the release of water near the Anclote River from the plant would affect animals and their habitat. 

Although the city ultimately won the case, the ongoing issue caused a delay in the progression of the project that lasted several years.

Smith said that tests conducted by the city revealed no threat to the wildlife or the habitat near the plant.

Now that the project is moving forward, Smith is anxious for the construction to begin.

"If I could put it in a word, I'd say 'exciting,' " Smith told Patch. "I think it's a huge opportunity for the city."

The construction is expected to begin in mid-April. Smith said the construction was forecasted to take about two years from the start date to complete.

Smith, along with other city officials, hope for the facility to be completely constructed and fully functioning by April 2015.