Project History
In the 1970s, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) studied the Morris Bridge Sink as a supplemental water source for municipal supply. That study indicated that the Morris Bridge Sink could yield up to about 15 million gallons per day (mgd) as a water supply, although the USGS did note that long term, continuous high rate pumping from the Sink could have some affect on flow in the Hillsborough River.
In 2000-2001, severe drought required emergency pumping from the Sink. Under an
emergency order from SWFWMD, Tampa Bay Water installed temporary pumping equipment at Morris Bridge Sink. Temporary, above-ground, plastic pipes conveyed water pumped from the Sink to a temporary discharge structure in the Hillsborough River at Natures Classroom. Pumping rates during the emergency withdrawal periods averaged 6 to 8 mgd, but ranged up to 15 mgd at times. Click on the Graph to see the timeline of events during that period.
Severe drought reduced flow in the Hillsborough River, and water levels in the Hillsborough Reservoir were approaching critical levels. Since the Hillsborough River serves as the city of Tampa’s
primary drinking water source, emergency measures were needed to insure adequate drinking water supply for the citizens of Tampa.
SWFWMD issued an emergency order authorizing Tampa Bay Water to augment the Hillsborough River by pumping water from the Morris Bridge Sink. Pumping equipment and temporary piping was rented and installed in an operation that a required a near round-the-clock effort for about two weeks. Emergency pumping was initiated at the end of May and helped sustain the city of Tampa’s water supply for the next few months.
Flow conditions in the Hillsborough River improved. Pumping was discontinued and pumps were removed. The temporary pipe and discharge structure were left in place in case drought conditions returned in the next few months.
Severe drought conditions returned. SWFWMD issued another emergency order for pumping from the sink. Emergency pumping equipment was re-installed and withdrawals
from the Morris Bridge Sink were used again to help sustain the city’s water supply.
Flow conditions in the Hillsborough River improved. Pumping was discontinued.
Removal of temporary pumping equipment. Pipeline and discharge structures complete.
