As River Flows Decrease, Regional Water Withdrawals Cease

As River Flows Decrease, Regional Water Withdrawals Cease
Lack of rain impacts water bodies, makes increased conservation measures critical

CLEARWATER, Fla.—Regional water sources are being significantly impacted by the worsening drought conditions in the area. The Hillsborough and Alafia Rivers—two major sources of drinking water in the region—have averaged 71 percent and 69 percent below normal, respectively, during April. As a result of the low river flows, Tampa Bay Water has ceased withdrawals from these rivers for use in the regional water supply system. Additionally, water withdrawals by the City of Tampa from the Hillsborough River—the city’s primary source of drinking water—have been significantly limited due to the drought.

Tampa Bay Water’s C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir continues to supply water to the region as designed. However, the 15-billion-gallon reservoir is currently less that half full with about 6 billion gallons remaining on May 4. The water level in the reservoir, which was designed to be filled during the rainy season when river flows are high, is expected to continue to decrease through the remainder of the dry season.

As a result of dry weather, regional water use has increased to more than 300 million gallons of water per day during the first few days of May. Increased outdoor water use is the primary cause of the high regional water demand.

One-day-per-week restrictions are in place and being strictly enforced throughout the region. Specific restrictions vary by location. Residents and businesses with automatic irrigation systems are asked to ensure that irrigation controllers are set to water on the correct day and at the appropriate time.

“It is critical that residents and businesses follow the one-day-per-week restrictions and water only if necessary and on the correct day,” said Dave Bracciano, demand management coordinator for Tampa Bay Water. “It is also important to check your irrigation system to make sure it is operating correctly and not leaking or spraying driveways or sidewalks.”

Local water departments have their own specific restrictions dictating when watering is allowed. Some additional restrictions and exceptions apply, so individuals should visit TampaBayWater.org for the most complete and current water restriction information.

General day-of-the-week restrictions for outdoor potable water use for Tampa Bay Water’s member governments are listed below. These restrictions apply to the public water supply, wells and other irrigation sources, excluding reclaimed water. Reclaimed water customers are subject to different restrictions. Visit TampaBayWater.org for more information.

City of Tampa

Addresses ending in an even number, or the letter A-M, may water on Tuesdays only.
Addresses ending in an odd number, or the letter N-Z, may water on Sundays only.

City of St. Petersburg

House numbers ending in an even number or the letters A through M may irrigate on Saturday only.
House numbers ending in an odd number, or the letters N through Z, or at locations with no address may irrigate on Sunday only.

New Port Richey

Addresses ending in an even number or the letters A through M can irrigate only on Tuesdays.
Addresses ending in an odd number or the letters N through Z, or at locations with no address can irrigate only on Sundays.

Unincorporated Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties

Addresses ending in 0 or 1 can irrigate on Monday only.
Addresses ending in 2 or 3 can irrigate on Tuesday only.
Addresses ending in 4 or 5 can irrigate on Wednesday only.
Addresses ending in 6 or 7 can irrigate on Thursday only.
Addresses ending in 8 or 9, locations with no address, and locations with mixed addresses (office complexes, shopping centers) can irrigate on Friday only.