Marion County officials are gearing up for potential expansions in their utilities infrastructure as discussions reveal that key facilities are nearing capacity. During a recent Board of County Commissioners workshop, it was highlighted that the Oak Run and the Shores facilities are approaching 70% of their permitted flow, a critical threshold that triggers the need for capacity analysis reports.

As the county's population grows, the demand for water treatment is increasing, prompting officials to consider expansion plans. "When you get around 70%, that is a time you really start looking at expansion of plants," one official noted, likening the situation to a bus nearing full capacity. "Your company needs to build another or buy another bus so we can continue to add those customers."

The discussion also clarified regulatory standards, indicating that while 70% triggers a capacity analysis, reaching 80% requires a formal plan submission to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This regulatory framework ensures that the county can adequately manage its water treatment capabilities as demand rises.

Permitted flow, which is the maximum amount of water the facilities are authorized to treat, is determined by state regulations. The actual flow, measured as the annual average daily flow, reflects the real-time usage and treatment capacity. As the county prepares for future growth, officials are focused on ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with community needs, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning in utilities management.