Introduction

In late 2018, the city of St. Petersburg, Florida made the decision to close their Whitted Water Treatment Plant, which had been in operation for over 100 years. This decision was met with concern from some residents who questioned the reasoning behind the closure. In this article, we will examine why the city made the decision to close the Whitted Water Treatment Plant.

The Age of the Plant

One of the main factors that led to the decision to close the Whitted Water Treatment Plant was its age. As mentioned, the plant had been in operation for over 100 years. This meant that much of the equipment and infrastructure at the plant was outdated and in need of significant repairs or replacements. Rather than investing the money needed to upgrade the plant, the city decided it would be more cost-effective to close it and shift operations to other facilities that were newer and more technologically advanced.

Environmental Concerns

Another factor that played a role in the decision to close the Whitted Water Treatment Plant was environmental concerns. The plant was located next to Tampa Bay, and there were concerns that its discharge of treated wastewater into the bay could be harmful to the environment. By closing the plant, the city could reduce the amount of treated wastewater that was discharged into the bay, and instead redirect the water to other facilities for further treatment or reuse.

Cost Savings

Closing the Whitted Water Treatment Plant also allowed the city to realize significant cost savings. As mentioned, the cost of upgrading the plant would have been substantial. In addition, the plant was not operating at full capacity, which meant that the city was paying to maintain and staff a facility that was not being fully utilized. By closing the plant and shifting operations to other facilities that were already in use, the city was able to reduce its operating costs while still maintaining the necessary level of water treatment and service.

Conclusion

The decision to close the Whitted Water Treatment Plant was not made lightly, but it was ultimately the best choice for the city of St. Petersburg. The age of the plant, environmental concerns, and cost savings all played a role in the decision. While some residents may have been concerned about the impact of the closure, the city was able to ensure that water treatment services continued uninterrupted, and that the switch to newer, more efficient facilities was made with the long-term health and well-being of the community and the environment in mind.