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Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index August 2009

CLEARWATER (August 7, 2009) — Surface water availability varied significantly throughout July as lack of consistent rainfall patterns continued. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for July were about 0.5 inches above normal.

River flows declined from above-normal early in the month to below-normal at month end. Stored water supplies have increased.  The regional water supply conditions moved from a Critical Water Shortage into a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage condition.

Water stored in the regional reservoir increased daily through July and reached about 6.5 billion gallons in early August.

Regional water facts for July:

  • Rainfall totals in July averaged about 8.6 inches, or 0.5 inches above normal. Rainfall totals averaged between 4.98 and 14.07 inches, with highest rainfall occurring in central Pasco County.
     
  • Long-term rainfall deficits remained unchanged since June, with the Hillsborough River basin deficit remaining at 39 inches, and the Alafia River watershed deficit remaining at 19 inches.
     
  • River flows declined significantly throughout the month of July, following heavy late- June rains. Alafia River flows for the month averaged slightly above normal while Hillsborough River flows were 93% of normal.
     
  • Regional water demand in July averaged about 218 million gallons per day, a 5.6% decrease from June demand, and a 4.3% decrease from last year for the same period (without Phase IV watering restrictions).

The normal summer rainy season pattern did not return during July as storms were sporadic, even with slightly above-normal precipitation amounts. Normal rainfall in August and the opportunity for continued seasonal storage is expected.

Following a Tampa Bay Water request, the Southwest Florida Water Management District entered into a Phase IV Critical Water Shortage for the tri-county area on April 3, 2009, and modified Phase IV conditions effective August 1. Tampa Bay Water continues to request the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey and counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco reduce demand and optimize enforcement of water restrictions.

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

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