Belleair's Water Supply - Latest Update

May 2023  

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) placed the Town of Belleair under a consent order to resolve the issue of fluctuating levels of trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in Belleair's water supply. TTHMs are a group of chemicals which are created when chlorine used for water treatment reacts with organic materials in the water. The Town and FDEP of the consent order is to reduce the level of total TTHM's from a recorded 0.162 mg/l to the regulatory level of 0.080 mg/l. DEP has approved the Town’s pilot plant study to correct the issue. The project is underway and should be completed by the end of July.

The consent order has required Belleair to hire an engineer and develop an action plan to resolve the issue. Belleair is in compliance with the requirements of the consent order, as the Water Department is working with an engineer to find a solution that will bring TTHM levels down. The Water Department has been approved to conduct a 90-day pilot test for a treatment that will remove the organics which react with chlorine to create TTHMs. Guardian Equipment was awarded the contract to conduct the pilot test and is currently in the process of making preparations and collecting necessary equipment. If the test is successful, the treatment will be used to permanently keep TTHM levels down, while Town staff continues working on a long-term fix.

One option for a long-term fix is for Belleair to make the switch to Pinellas County's water distribution system. The Town of Belleair signed a letter of intent with the County to share information and begin negotiations. The County has proposed an offer that was discussed during the Special Commission Meeting held on May 2, 2023. During the meeting, residents were provided an information sheet, which can be found here. Town staff has thoroughly researched the Counties proposal and alternative options that meet Town goals. Commission voted unanimously to approve the purchase of potable water on the basis of a wholesale agreement with Pinellas County Utilities.