Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index January 2010

CLEARWATER (January 12, 2010) — Surface water availability increased during December as above normal rainfall amounts were received. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for December were above normal.

River flows increased in the Hillsborough and Alafia River basins allowing some additional regional reservoir storage. Regional water supply conditions remain in a Phase II Severe Water Shortage condition under Tampa Bay Water’s water shortage mitigation plan.

The region water restrictions were lessened by the Southwest Florida Water Management District from Phase III to Phase II watering restrictions in mid-December.

Water stored in the regional reservoir is at 13.7 billion gallons, about 87% of capacity.

Regional water facts for December:

• Rainfall totals in December averaged about 3.4 inches. Rainfall totals averaged between 2.3 and 4.7 inches, with highest rainfall occurring in north-central Pasco County.
• Long-term rainfall deficits decreased for the Hillsborough River basin to 33.4inches and to 20.4 inches in the Alafia River basin.
• Alafia River flow was 106% of the mean monthly flow for December while the Hillsborough River flow was 55% of normal.
• Regional water demand in December averaged about 208 million gallons per day, an 8% decrease from the relatively low November demand.

Rainfall conditions are expected to be wetter than normal during January due to the strong El Nino condition. Regional demands are expected to remain below historic levels and river flows are expected to increase.

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