NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, March 13, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-5999 or melissa.angel@nwfwmd.state.fl.us

NWFWMD Approves Nearly $5.5 million for Water Supply Project in Bay County

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted today to provide nearly $5.5 million in grant funding to Bay County for the development of an alternative pump station for Deer Point Lake Reservoir, which serves as the county’s primary water supply source.

“As Deer Point Lake Reservoir is vulnerable to impacts from major coastal storm surge events, this project is vital to ensuring a clean, safe and reliable supply of water for the region,” said Governing Board Chairman George Roberts. “The District is pleased to partner with Bay County to implement this project and achieve one of our long-standing water supply planning priorities.”

The funding will be used to develop an upstream intake near the mouth of Econfina Creek. The project includes the construction of a surface water intake, pump station and pipeline—which will have the capacity to deliver approximately 30 million gallons per day (mgd) of raw water to the Bay County Water Treatment Plant.

“The new pumping station will be located in the northernmost portion of Deer Point Lake Reservoir,” said Paul Lackemacher, Utility Services Director at Bay County Utilities Services. “This new pumping station, surface water intake, and pipeline will ensure our residents that the County will have an available back-up water supply in the event of extreme conditions.”

Bay County provides water for local governments and utilities across the county. The development of this alternative water supply source will improve Bay County’s water supply and provide water for the public while also sustaining water resources and associated natural systems.

“This project is vital to ensuring a safe and reliable water supply for the residents, visitors, and businesses of Bay County,” said Chairman Guy Tunnell of the Bay County Board of County Commissioners. “We thank the Northwest Florida Water Management District for their support and look forward to continuing to work with them to manage and protect Bay County’s water and natural resources.”

Deer Point Lake Reservoir is included as a priority in the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Region III Regional Water Supply Plan. The District continues to work with local governments and utilities across the Florida panhandle to provide communities and natural resources with a sustainable supply of water. In addition to this funding, the District recently announced nearly $10 million in grant funding for 24 water supply projects across Northwest Florida.