AWS is new to CCUA. We are entering the feasibility phase of which AWS will be the most economical and effective solutions for the citizens and rate payers of Clay County. Our staff has done investigations of various concepts, but these concepts need to be developed further. We are initiating an AWS feasibility study that will help us further define applicable AWS solutions as well as refine their costs. The costs presented in the proceeding paragraphs are conceptual and are subject to change as further analysis helps define the scale and scope of AWS solutions. These costs have been reflected in the 2015/16 Capital Reserve Strategy for planning purposes.

The storm water harvesting project is estimated to cost approximately $27 million. These costs are provided in the report titled “Reclaimed Water Deficit & Augmentation of Reclaimed Water System Project Study on Long Term Water Supply.” We currently have projects underway that will develop the construction methods and operational procedures for the larger storm water harvesting project. The vision for this project is that it will develop along with the construction of the First Coast Outer Beltway.

A surface water reservoir is also a potential AWS solution. Our staff found a draft feasibility analysis for a surface water reservoir that was completed by CDM Smith, Inc., for Indian River County, Florida (December, 2014). This analysis was utilized for understanding of numerous issues associated with surface reservoirs as well as approximate costs for a surface water treatment plant. We prepared a very preliminary analysis for the approximate size of a surface reservoir to support approximately 10% of our average system pumping. Based upon our analysis, our initial opinion on the probable construction cost for a surface water reservoir is approximately $103 million.

Another potential AWS is direct potable reclaimed water. This option would require upgrading our wastewater treatment process so the effluent sent from the waste water treatment plants is to a drinking water standard. This technology is being implemented in other areas of the country. The City of San Diego completed a study in July 2012 called the “Recycled Water Study.” This study analyzed the use of recycled water. While there are challenges with perceptions of the water from these process, it is an option we will evaluate in our feasibility study process. Because of size and application differences between San Diego, California, and Clay County, Florida, we do not have a conceptual opinion of probable construction costs developed at this time. This will be addressed with the AWS feasibility study. It should be noted here that in all likelihood, CCUA would choose either a surface reservoir or a direct potable reuse system, but not both.

The MFL regulations will require CCUA to offset impacts from withdrawals from the Floridan Aquifer when we renew the utility’s Consumptive Use Permits. These regulatory requirements along with such regulations as the Numeric Nutrient Criteria, the Human Health Criteria, and the TMDL’s will require infrastructure and process improvements to mitigate various constituents the jurisdictional agencies determine as detrimental. These infrastructure and process improvements to our wastewater treatment facilities can be directly related to the potential application of direct potable reclaimed water noted in the previous paragraph. Currently, there is $50 million identified in the Capital Reserve Strategy to address the regulations noted in this paragraph.