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Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index November 2009

CLEARWATER (November 3, 2009) — Surface water availability declined throughout October with some available flow utilized from the Alafia basin.  Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for October were slightly below normal.

River flows declined in Hillsborough River basin but increased mid-month in the Alafia River basin allowing some additional regional reservoir storage. 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 in October and reached about 13.8 billion gallons in early November, about 92% of capacity.

Regional water facts for October:

  • Rainfall totals in October averaged about 2 inches, or 0.80 inches below normal. Rainfall totals averaged between 0.80 and 4.4 inches, with highest rainfall occurring in central Pasco County.

  • Long-term rainfall deficits increased for the Hillsborough River basin to 32.9inches while the Alafia River basin deficit decreased to 19.9 inches.

  • The Alafia River basin averaged about 0.70 inches above normal, while the Hillsborough River basin averaged 0.7 inches below normal rainfall for the month of October. Alafia River flow was 45% of the mean monthly flow for October while the Hillsborough River flow declined to 38% of normal.

  • Regional water demand in October averaged about 231 million gallons per day, a 7% increase from September demand.

Lower average rainfall during the fall dry season reduces opportunity for complete reservoir filling.

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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