Alafia River and Tampa Bypass Canal Reclassification Petitions

The Alafia River and Tampa Bypass Canal (TBC) are critical parts of the drinking water supply for more than 2.4 million residents in the Tampa Bay region. Although water quality in these systems is currently good, a State of Florida designated use classification that includes drinking water supply will help protect water quality for the future.

Tampa Bay Water has petitioned the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to reclassify portions of the Alafia River and TBC from their current Class III category (protection of fish, wildlife, and recreational use) to Class I (potable water supply) in order to align the state-designated use classification with the current public drinking water supply usage. This would strengthen water quality standards for these areas to include protection of human health as well as protection of fish and wildlife.

Due to the many important and potentially conflicting uses of the Alafia River and TBC, changing a state designated use classification requires consideration of the potential benefits and impacts of such a change. The reclassification petitions and supporting documents were developed by Tampa Bay Water through detailed technical analyses using stakeholder input received throughout the Tampa Bay region and especially in Hillsborough County. Links to these documents are provided below.

Now that the petitions have been submitted to FDEP, the Department will continue the process thorough technical evaluation and obtaining public input to ensure a balance between historical/continuing users on the rivers and the necessary protection for these critical drinking water sources.

Tampa Bay Water Reclassification Petitions Q&A

State of Florida Water Quality Classifications

Alafia River Petition

Tampa Bypass Canal Petition