In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant advancements in infrastructure resiliency and operational strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change on water utilities in Pinellas County. Over the past few years, the utility has modeled various storm events, including projections for 2040 and 2100, to assess vulnerabilities across its infrastructure. The findings indicate that major facilities, particularly those located near coastlines, face substantial risks from flooding and wind damage.

To address these challenges, the utility is developing risk mitigation strategies at the asset level, focusing on critical infrastructure such as pump stations and hydrants. Efforts are underway to enhance the resilience of five major plants, with particular attention to the Isle of Capri and Gulf Beach pump stations, which are at high risk of flooding.

Operational resiliency is also a priority, with the utility evaluating interconnections with neighboring governments to ensure a reliable water supply before, during, and after storm events. Currently, there are 15 interties with partner cities, and contracts are being renewed to strengthen these connections.

In terms of customer engagement, the utility is modernizing its outreach efforts, including the implementation of a new electronic portal for bill payments and usage tracking. This initiative aims to improve customer experience and provide timely alerts for unusual water usage.

Additionally, the utility is in the midst of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project, replacing over 40,000 water meters to enhance service efficiency. The project also allows for the verification of water line materials, confirming the absence of lead and copper in the system.

Looking ahead, officials are exploring regional collaboration for reclaimed water distribution, particularly during drought conditions. The potential for sharing resources with neighboring counties like Pasco and Hillsborough was highlighted as a strategic move to optimize water usage and support local irrigation needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the utility's commitment to enhancing infrastructure resilience, improving customer service, and fostering regional partnerships to address water supply challenges in the face of climate change.