North Palm River Water Expansion Project

Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department (HCPUD) developed the North Palm River Water Expansion Project to meet the need for high-quality drinking water in an area served by individual wells. The project involves designing, permitting, and constructing more than 5 miles of distribution pipeline and service lines, and installing 90 fire hydrants. In addition to providing drinking water, the project will also provide improved fire protection for the area. HCPUD selected the design-build team of Westra – Metzger + Willard, Inc. and executed an agreement with a stipulated guaranteed maximum price and guaranteed schedule. The team offered value engineering proposals to reduce the project cost without compromising quality.

Because HCPUD sought to keep its water customers uppermost in all elements of the project, the project approach included a strong community focus and high sensitivity in minimizing impacts to the community. At the onset of the project, a detailed Community Outreach Plan was prepared. The project is currently under construction and progressing smoothly. HCPUD has requested that the design-build team handle the design and construction of all plumbing connections to each individual water user. The design-build team is working with each individual property owner to appropriately place the new water service line from the back side of the meter to the house. The team is also coordinating with the County Building Department for permit approvals and inspections. The cost of the project was $8.84 million dollars.