Clearwater Water Quality Overview—Pinellas County, FL

Clearwater, a vibrant city located in Pinellas County, Florida, is well known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also for its commitment to clean, safe drinking water for residents and businesses. The city’s water supply comes from a blend of groundwater pumped from the Floridan Aquifer and purchased treated surface water from Tampa Bay Water. Clearwater’s Utilities Department manages the city's water treatment facilities, ensuring every drop meets or surpasses the standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

The city utilizes a multi-barrier treatment process, including aeration, softening, filtration, and disinfection to remove harmful contaminants such as chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, and microbial organisms. In addition to potable water, Clearwater is also recognized for its use of reclaimed water systems, providing treated wastewater for landscape irrigation, which reduces strain on the potable water supply and promotes sustainability.

Challenges to Water Quality in Clearwater

Despite Clearwater’s proactive measures, the city faces several ongoing challenges that threaten both drinking water quality and nearby surface water bodies. One of the most pressing concerns is nutrient pollution caused by stormwater runoff carrying fertilizers, pesticides, and pet waste into the storm drains and, eventually, into Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. These nutrients can lead to the formation of harmful algal blooms, which threaten marine ecosystems and limit recreational water use.

Aging infrastructure is another challenge. Like many cities in Florida, Clearwater has underground water mains and sewer lines that are decades old. Breaks or leaks in these systems can result in contamination or water loss, prompting frequent maintenance and replacement initiatives. Additionally, saltwater intrusion caused by rising sea levels and over-pumping from the aquifer continues to be a threat, increasing salinity in freshwater sources and impacting drinking water quality.

Moreover, climate variability brings more intense storms and flooding, further exacerbating stormwater pollution and putting a strain on wastewater systems. These environmental and infrastructural factors require long-term planning and investment to ensure a resilient water supply.

Local and State Efforts to Improve Water Quality in Clearwater

Clearwater has taken an active role in improving and protecting its water quality through a number of strategic initiatives. The city’s Stormwater Environmental Utility has implemented numerous green infrastructure solutions including bioswales, permeable pavement, and rain gardens to filter runoff before it reaches nearby water bodies. Clearwater also enforces a Fertilizer Ordinance, restricting fertilizer use during the rainy season to limit nutrient pollution.

The city partners with Pinellas County, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and state environmental agencies to conduct regular water monitoring and public education campaigns. One such initiative is the Adopt-A-Drain program, where residents volunteer to help keep storm drains clean and clear of debris. Clearwater is also exploring alternative water sources, such as enhanced water reuse and reverse osmosis technologies, to diversify and strengthen its water supply.

Additionally, Clearwater’s participation in watershed management plans and TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) programs helps to set pollutant limits for local water bodies and ensures collaborative restoration efforts across jurisdictions.

Impact of Climate Change on Clearwater's Water Resources

Climate change is a growing concern in Clearwater, with real implications for water quality and supply. Rising sea levels contribute to the intrusion of saltwater into the freshwater aquifer, threatening the sustainability of the city’s drinking water sources. To combat this, Clearwater has installed monitoring wells and invested in groundwater modeling to track and manage intrusion risks.

Increased rainfall and storm intensity associated with climate change also result in higher volumes of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants and overwhelm the city’s stormwater system. This can lead to localized flooding and contamination of waterways, which may impact both marine life and public health. Warmer temperatures can fuel more frequent and severe algal blooms, particularly in Clearwater Harbor and nearby coastal waters, which further degrade water quality.

Clearwater is actively addressing these issues through its Resilient Clearwater initiative, which includes climate adaptation strategies such as elevating critical infrastructure, expanding green infrastructure projects, and incorporating sea-level rise projections into long-term utility planning. The city’s holistic approach aims to safeguard both the environment and public water systems for future generations.