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Second Public Hearing to Consider Resolution Amending Wellhead Protection Areas and Special Protection Areas Maps Associated With Ordinance 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 updated results provide a clearer picture of groundwater movement and wellfield vulnerability. This effort resulted in changes to the boundaries and configurations of these protection areas. Consequently, certain properties may now be subject to new or revised restrictions based on their location within updated WHPAs or SPAs.
As required by ordinance, the resulting updated WHPA and SPA maps must go before the Board at two separate Resolution hearings. This is the second of the two public hearings; the first was conducted on January 13, 2026 (Item No. 16252).
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act upon this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board hear public comment and approve the new WHPA and SPA maps associated with the updated Groundwater Protection and Siting Ordinance by adopting the attached resolution.