TO: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator
Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation, & Conservation Director
FROM: Gustavo Vergara - Assistant Director, Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
DATE: August 28, 2025
SUBJECT: Gifford Aquatic Center Heater/Chiller Well System
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BACKGROUND
In February 2025, the Board of County Commissioners approved an amendment to the scheduled Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that included the funding of $300,000 for a new well supply at the Gifford Aquatic Center that is a critical component for the heater/chiller system. The new system is necessary due to the failure of the existing surface wells, which provide water to the geothermal heat exchange system used to control the water temperature of the pool. The original funding request was based on preliminary estimates and an incomplete understanding of the full scope of work required to remediate the issue; however, staff has obtained actual project costs that exceed the initial projections. The system operates as a closed loop, where water is drawn from a source well and discharged via a separate well back into the aquifer in the same form it was extracted. The existing wells are surficial wells, which do not produce the quality or quantity of water needed to run the system properly. The new wells will extend over 650 feet into the Upper Floridan Aquifer and will be able to provide a continuous source of water at the required 90 gallons per minute. The new well system is a permanent and long-term solution to provide a stable water temperature for year-round use.
ANALYSIS
Staff received quotes from Centerline Drilling, referencing the Town of Jupiter Surficial Rehabilitation Program Contract, which the County is eligible to piggyback, and quotes...
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