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Tampa Bay Regional Drought Index (July, 2008)

CLEARWATER (July 11, 2008)— Surface water availability and long-term regional drinking water storage conditions remained low in the Tampa Bay region in June as summer rainfall began late in the month. Rainfall increases in the Hillsborough River basin negated the need for regional supply into the City of Tampa system in June.

Low surface water flow conditions require the continual withdrawal of water from the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir. The City of Tampa continues to augment the City’s reservoir with water from the Tampa Bypass Canal.

Regional water facts for June:

  • Rainfall was variable throughout the region averaging about an inch below normal, with highest totals over 2 inches above normal and lowest over 4 inches below normal.
  • Long-term rainfall deficits for the Hillsborough River basin increased to about 32 inches while slightly above normal rainfall in the Alafia River watershed reduced the deficit to about 13 inches, respectively.
  • Flow in the Hillsborough River was about 74% below normal, a continued decline from reduced May flows.
  • Alafia River flow was about 62% below normal in June.
  • Regional water demand in June averaged about 258 million gallons per day (mgd), about 30 mgd lower than May.
  • Highest demand in early June was over 315 mgd due to increased outdoor water use, while significant rainfall events lowered water use to about 215 mgd in late June.
  • As of July 8, 2008, 3.8 billion gallons of water remain in the C.W. Bill Young Regional reservoir.

Seasonally rainy conditions in July should continue to eliminate the need for supplemental landscape irrigation. Above normal rainfall during the summer months is required to eliminate the current surface water flow deficit problems, and provide flows for capture and storage into the Regional Reservoir.

Tampa Bay Water continues in a Level II Water Shortage, and continues to request the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey and counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco to reduce demand and increase enforcement of water restrictions. The entire 16-county Southwest Florida Water Management District area remains in a Level II Water Shortage.

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