Tampa Bay Water Board Approves Fixing Regional Reservoir

CLEARWATER, Fla. (June 16, 2009)­ Tampa Bay Water’s Board of Directors today took the first step toward repairing the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir. The Board approved a resolution to fix the cracking soil-cement, erosion control layer and procure the fix with a competitive process that includes expert review.

After a thorough analysis, Tampa Bay Water’s consulting engineers said the cause of the soil-cement cracking at the regional reservoir is high water pressures underneath the erosion control liner on the interior of the storage facility. Inspection and analysis continue to conclude the reservoir is safe; however, a long-term fix to the soil cement layer is needed.

“Tampa Bay Water’s Board took an important step today toward procuring and constructing a long-term fix for this important water supply facility,” said Gerald Seeber, Tampa Bay Water general manager. “The reservoir is an essential storage component to the region’s diverse water supply that helps to bridge the gap between wet seasons.”

The reservoir’s erosion control layer consists of soil-cement that lines the reservoir’s interior and a soil wedge that lies between the soil-cement layer and a deeper geomembrane that protects the rest of the embankment. Tampa Bay Water’s system engineer reported that water becomes trapped in the soil wedge causing high water pressure which leads to soil-cement cracking, soil wedge movement and soil erosion (See Attached Fact Sheet and Diagram).

Short-term patching of the cracks has allowed the reservoir to remain in limited use. However, without a long-term fix, the cracking will continue and will interfere with reliable use of the reservoir in the future.

Tampa Bay Water’s system engineer identified three basic approaches to fixing the problem. These include:

1. Adding drains to the soil wedge.
2. Removing the soil wedge and replacing it with a well-drained layer.
3. Adding weight to the soil-cement erosion control layer to prevent further movement.

The Board also approved a competitive procurement process to solicit solutions and proposals for the fix. The process includes expert peer review and is expected to take several years. The actual fix that will be constructed and cost to repair will be determined through the procurement process and will not be known for several years.

“We are looking for the best solution for the best value,” said Seeber. “Quality and results, rather than schedule, will govern the fix.”

Tampa Bay Water provides wholesale water to the public utility systems of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties as well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

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