Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index October 2009
CLEARWATER (October 14, 2009) — Surface water availability remained steady throughout September. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for September were slightly above normal.
River flows were maintained during the month which allowed continued storage into the regional reservoir. Regional water supply conditions moved from an Extreme Water Shortage into a Phase II Severe Water Shortage condition under Tampa Bay Water’s water shortage mitigation plan, effective September 1.
The region remains under the Southwest Florida Water Management District Phase III watering restrictions.
Water stored in the regional reservoir increased daily through September and reached about 13.4 billion gallons in early October.
Regional water facts for September:
- Rainfall totals
in September averaged about 6.8 inches, or 0.04 inches above normal. Rainfall
totals averaged between 3.95 and 10.61 inches, with highest rainfall occurring
in south central Hillsborough County.
- Long-term
rainfall deficits decreased for the Hillsborough River basin to 32 inches and
the Alafia River watershed deficit decreased to 20.5 inches.
- The Alafia
River watershed and the Hillsborough River Watershed had from 0.6 to 1.1 inches
above normal rainfall for the month of September. Alafia River flow was 76% of the mean monthly flow for September while
the Hillsborough River flow was 105% of normal.
- Regional water demand in September averaged about 215 million gallons per day, a 0.5% decrease from August demand.
Lower average rainfall during the fall dry season will reduce opportunities for increased storage.
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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