groundwater

Groundwater is an important part of Tampa Bay Water’s system. Groundwater comes from the Floridan Aquifer, an underground layer of limestone that stores billions of gallons of water that seep down through the soil.

Tampa Bay Water is permitted to withdraw an annual average of 120 million gallons per day from 13 wellfields in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Seven treatment facilities treat and disinfect the groundwater before it is sent to local governments or blended with other supplies.

As with any water supply, Tampa Bay Water carefully monitors the environment in and around regional wellfields. Groundwater production is managed and shifted in response to climatic and environmental factors.