Dade City’s Population Boom is Creating a Perfect Storm for Municipal Water Systems

Dade City is currently growing at a rate of 6.26% annually and its population has increased by 41.83% since the most recent census, making it one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities. This unprecedented growth, combined with broader regional development pressures, is placing significant strain on the area’s water infrastructure and affecting home water pressure for residents throughout Pasco County.

Understanding the Regional Water Crisis

The water challenges facing Dade City residents are part of a larger statewide crisis. Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with a population of over 23 million, and between 2015 and 2035, the population in Florida will grow by 27%, to 25.2 million, and that public demand for water will increase by 23%. This growth is particularly concentrated in Central Florida, where by the year 2045, the region including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and southern Lake counties will likely face a groundwater shortfall of an estimated 96 million gallons of water a day.

Ninety-nine percent of the 79.72 million gal/d of water used in Pasco County, Florida is groundwater from the Upper Floridan aquifer. In addition, 53.5 million gal/d is exported for use in Pinellas County. This heavy reliance on groundwater sources means that as more wells are drilled to meet growing demand, the aquifer system faces increasing pressure.

How Development Impacts Water Pressure

The relationship between new development and declining water pressure is complex but predictable. Requiring developers to pay impact fees to fund new or expanded schools, roads, sewage systems, water systems, and other infrastructure required to serve new growth has become increasingly important as municipalities struggle to keep pace with demand.

Statewide population growth has caused more and more land to be claimed for residential use. And local governments continue to authorize the drilling of new wells — and to expand development into swamps, despite the wetlands acting as a filter for water entering the aquifer. This creates a double burden: increased demand for water while simultaneously reducing the natural systems that help maintain water quality and pressure.

Recent examples from nearby communities illustrate the severity of these issues. The nearby city of Zephyrhills — known for a namesake bottled water brand — has temporarily banned new developments after it grew too quickly for its water permit. “Water is the hidden problem that really forced our hand,” said Steven Spina, a member of the Zephyrhills City Council.

Current Infrastructure Challenges

Pasco County residents are already experiencing the effects of this infrastructure strain. The Florida Governmental Utility Authority says it has reduced water pressure Monday for customers in Pasco County because of shortages caused by high demand and dry weather conditions. The shortages are due to high demand in the county caused by dry weather.

The county is actively working to address these challenges through new infrastructure projects. In January 2025, the Pasco County Commission approved a temporary easement on County-owned land for Tampa Bay Water to conduct aquifer performance tests. Tampa Bay Water is working to keep pace with the region’s growing water needs: The Tampa Bay region will need an additional 25 million gallons per day of drinking water by 2043.

What Homeowners Can Expect

For Dade City residents experiencing low water pressure, understanding the root causes can help determine the best solutions. While municipal infrastructure upgrades are essential for long-term relief, many homeowners may need immediate assistance from qualified professionals.

Common signs that your home’s water pressure issues may be related to broader infrastructure problems include:

• Consistent low pressure throughout the home, especially during peak usage hours
• Pressure that varies significantly between different times of day
• Recent changes in pressure coinciding with new neighborhood development
• Multiple neighbors experiencing similar issues simultaneously

However, not all water pressure problems stem from municipal infrastructure. Individual home plumbing issues, aging pipes, or improperly sized water lines can also cause pressure problems that require professional diagnosis and repair.

Finding Professional Solutions

When dealing with water pressure issues, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand both municipal systems and residential plumbing. Whether you need emergency repairs, system upgrades, or pressure booster installation, consulting with a qualified plumber dade city residents trust can help identify the best solutions for your specific situation.

Looking Ahead

The conservation, infrastructure, and restoration projects necessary to tackle the incoming water deficit will cost some $3.3 billion by 2040, with the state footing over $500 million of that bill. But according to Florida TaxWatch, a government-accountability nonprofit, current water projects and sources of funding aren’t coordinated or comprehensive enough to sustain the state’s population growth.

As Dade City continues to grow, residents can expect ongoing challenges with municipal water systems. While long-term solutions require significant investment in regional infrastructure, homeowners shouldn’t have to live with inadequate water pressure. Professional plumbing services can often provide immediate improvements through pressure booster systems, pipe upgrades, or addressing specific home plumbing issues that compound municipal supply problems.

The key is understanding that while broader infrastructure challenges may take years to resolve, individual homeowners have options available now to improve their water pressure and overall plumbing system performance.