Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index September 2009

CLEARWATER (September 2, 2009) — Surface water availability varied significantly throughout August as lack of consistent rainfall patterns continued. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for August were about 1.7 inches below normal.

River flows declined from above-normal early in the month to below-normal at month end. Stored water supplies continue to increase. 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.

The region remains under the Southwest Florida Water Management District Phase III watering restrictions.

Water stored in the regional reservoir increased daily through August and reached about 9.2 billion gallons in early September.

Regional water facts for August:

• Rainfall totals in August averaged about 6.1 inches, or 1.7 inches below normal. Rainfall totals averaged between 5.41 and 8.12 inches, with highest rainfall occurring in Pinellas County.
   
• Long-term rainfall deficits increased for the Hillsborough River basin to 42 inches and the Alafia River watershed deficit decreased to 18.4 inches.
   
  The Alafia River watershed had above normal rainfall for the month of August while the Hillsborough River experienced below normal rainfall. Alafia River flow was 50% of the mean monthly flow for August while the Hillsborough River flow was 71% of normal.
   
• Regional water demand in August averaged about 216 million gallons per day, a 1.0% decrease from July demand.

The normal summer rainy season pattern did not return during August as storms continued to be sporadic. Normal rainfall in September and the opportunity for continued seasonal storage is expected.

Based on reservoir levels, Tampa Bay Water has triggered a Phase II Severe Water Shortage, effective September 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.

- ### -