WHAT IS SOURCE WATER?

Source water is untreated water present in the form of streams, lakes, rivers, and undergrounds aquifers used to supply the Tampa Bay area drinking water supply. There are two types of source water: Surface water and Groundwater.

Surface wateris water above the ground surface and includes lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, seas, and oceans. Local examples include the Alafia River, the Hillsborough River, and the Tampa Bypass Canal.

Groundwater is water below the ground surface such as underground aquifers used to supply private wells and public drinking water systems.

Drinking Water Sources

*International City/County Management Association (ICMA)