Construction at the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination facility has been hit with delays following the arrival of back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton. These unexpected storms have significantly impacted the facility, disrupting progress just as critical repairs were underway.
A Vital Facility for Tampa Bay’s Water Supply
The desalination plant, located alongside the Big Bend Power Plant in Apollo Beach, is a crucial infrastructure that provides up to 10% of the region’s water supply. In November 2023, the plant was abruptly closed due to the failure of the rack framework supporting the osmosis pressure valves, an essential component of the water purification process.
Corrosion Complications Lead to Repairs
The failure was attributed to corrosion caused by seawater and salt air exposure, according to Tampa Bay Water. A two-phase repair project had already been approved in May 2023, with phase one completed by September 2023. However, the failure of the equipment in November accelerated the need for the second phase of repairs.
Hurricane Setbacks Stall Progress
Phase two of the repairs was scheduled to begin in October but was fast-tracked after the equipment breakdown. Just as repairs were ongoing, hurricanes Helene and Milton struck, further delaying the process. The Big Bend Power Plant, which sends water to the desalination facility, remains only partially operational, contributing to the extended delays in restarting the desalination plant.
Evacuation Protocols and Temporary Closures
Being in Evacuation Zone A, the plant was forced to close during major storm events, including during Hurricane Helene. As a precaution, construction materials were secured, and the site was cleaned up during the storm. After the storm passed, the facility reopened, and repairs resumed, only to close again when Hurricane Milton hit. Minor damage, including some roof issues, is suspected, and a full assessment will be completed by October 22.
Startup Delays and Revised Timelines
Initially, the plant aimed to have 12 million gallons per day back online by October, and 20 million gallons per day by December. However, with the Big Bend Power Plant not fully operational, the startup of the newly replaced membrane racks will likely be delayed by several weeks. Despite this, Tampa Bay Water remains optimistic, with operations potentially resuming as early as October 28, though mid-November may be a more realistic timeline.
Full Operation Expected by End of 2024
Despite these delays, the overall project remains on track, with all five racks expected to be replaced and fully operational by the end of 2024. Tampa Bay Water’s goal of producing 20 million gallons per day by December still holds, though it will likely require getting three racks online by October to November and five racks by December. Each rack has the capacity to handle up to 4 million gallons of water per day.
Damage Assessments and Future Improvements
In response to these challenges, Tampa Bay Water will undergo a damage assessment across all its facilities to evaluate what improvements can be made to better withstand future storms. With the frequent impact of hurricanes on the region, these assessments will be crucial to minimizing future disruptions.
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