The Tampa Bay seawater desalination plant is operated by American Water and Acciona Agua through the joint venture American Water – Acciona Agua LLC. At 25 MGD, the seawater desalination plant provides approximately 10% of the Tampa Bay region’s drinking water supply.

Gerald Seeber, general manager of Tampa Bay Water said: “The completion of the last of a series of operational milestones at the Tampa Bay seawater desalination facility is an achievement for all of the region’s water customers. The facility provides an important, drought-proof component to the region’s water supply system and is a true example of a successful public-private partnership.”

Having passed the milestone tests, Tampa Bay Water will receive $31.25 million from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), which pledged to release funds to help build the plant once all the milestones were achieved.