Temple Terrace City Council Workshop August 11, 2026

The Temple Terrace City Council held a workshop on August 11, 2026, focused primarily on the water and sewer utility fund for fiscal year 2027, with a significant emphasis on the water treatment plant rehabilitation and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mitigation. The council discussed two main options for addressing PFAS contamination: connecting to Hillsborough County's water system, which sources water from Tampa Bay Water, or investing in a local city solution involving a nanofiltration system and deep injection well. The county connection option was estimated to cost approximately $93 million in capital expenses, including extensive infrastructure such as a 24-inch transmission main and elevated water crossings, with ongoing water purchase costs from Tampa Bay Water. The city solution was estimated at about $73 million, focusing on upgrading the existing water plant with advanced filtration technology. Both options require significant permitting and construction efforts, with the county option involving more complex logistical and regulatory challenges. The council also considered a temporary granulated activated carbon filtration solution to meet EPA compliance deadlines, with costs estimated at $5.5 million for purchase and $5.25 million annually for media replacement. Financial analyses presented by consultants indicated that the city solution would result in lower rate increases for residents compared to the county option. Council members expressed a preference for pursuing the city solution combined with the temporary mitigation, emphasizing the need for timely action to comply with EPA regulations and the importance of transparent, refined cost estimates. The council provided guidance to staff to prepare the preliminary budget based on the city option and temporary solution, with a proposed rate increase of up to 35% in 2027, potentially phased over multiple years. No formal votes were taken during this workshop, but clear direction was given for further financial modeling and procurement planning related to the water treatment plant upgrades and PFAS mitigation efforts.