Tampa Bay Regional Drought Index - April

CLEARWATER (April 3, 2007) - Surface water flows in area rivers continue to decline as long-term drought conditions remain prevalent in the Tampa Bay region. Surface water conditions in the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers—two of the region’s most significant surface water sources—are significantly below normal, limiting the amount of water that can be withdrawn. Flows in the Hillsborough River averaged 77 percent below normal. Flows in the Alafia River were about 68 percent below normal. The C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir continues to supply the region with water, and it stands at one half full at 7.57 billion gallons. During April and May, water demand in the region can exceed 300 million gallons per day due to increases in outdoor water use.

Return of the summer rainfall pattern that begins in the late May-early June timeframe is required to improve river flows and available supplies. A Level II Water Shortage, issued by Tampa Bay Water and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, remains in effect for the entire area.

For more information contact Dave Bracciano or Alison Adams at 727.796.2355.