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Ordinance Amending Article VII of Chapter 28 Relating to Groundwater Protection and Siting
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Protecting Hernando County’s drinking water has long been a priority. In 1994, the Board adopted hydrogeological modeling to define Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), creating essential safeguards around our public water supply sources.
In 1999, the County approved the use of updated hydraulic modeling technology. As part of the 2021 Potable Water Master Plan, the Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) engaged a hydrogeological consultant to revise the WHPAs and SPAs using the improved modeling approach. The consultant’s findings were used as a basis of the amended and updated groundwater protection criteria for existing and future potable water resources detailed in the attached proposed ordinance. The updated results provide a clearer picture of groundwater movement and wellfield vulnerability.
In conjunction with this ordinance, an accompanying resolution is being proposed as a separate item on this agenda to adopt the WHPA and SPA maps which depict changes to the boundaries and configurations of these protection areas. While the proposed ordinance can be adopted now, two public hearings are required before enacting the resolution. The second resolution hearing will be February 10.
As some of the proposed changes constitute land development regulations (LDR), the ordinance and resolution were first heard as required by the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 13, 2025 (see Legistar 16465). It was recommended at this meeting to forward the proposed ordinance to the Board for adoption.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this item pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board adopt and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached updated Groundwater Protection and Siting ordinance.