News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 337-5833
CLEARWATER, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2026) – As a result of recent rainfall, Tampa Bay Water is lifting the Stage III extreme regional water supply shortage and moving down to a Stage II severe drought warning under its water shortage mitigation plan. This is the first time since November 2025 that regional water supply conditions have improved enough to drop down a drought stage.
“Rain that fell in the right places made the difference,” said Warren Hogg, Chief Science Officer. “Moving out of Stage III is a significant step after a year of drought conditions, and it reflects what mother nature and our citizens can accomplish together. Timely rainfall helped, and so did conservation efforts.”
The water shortage mitigation stages are triggered based on rainfall amounts, river/stream flows and reservoir levels.
The region received an average of 6.5 inches of rainfall in October, 3.8 inches above normal, which helped shrink the 12-month average rainfall deficit from 10 inches at the end of September to 4.4 inches. The average streamflow deficit for the past year also improved, from 28.0 million gallons per day (mgd) to 22.3 mgd.
The C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir, the region's water savings account, held 14.23 billion gallons at the end of October, about 92% of its 15.5-billion-gallon capacity. That is up from 9.39 billion gallons, or about 60% full, at the end of September. At its lowest, the reservoir held just 2.11 billion gallons of water in July.
In addition to increased rainfall, conservation played a role in the water supply recovery. Tampa Bay Water delivered an average of 179.91 mgd in October, 15.9% lower than October 2025. Lower demand means less strain on the region's supplies while rain helps them recover. The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant also contributed an average of 11.45 mgd, supporting the regional supply system alongside groundwater, river water and reservoir storage.
Residents and businesses can keep that momentum going with one simple step: when it rains, skip a week of lawn watering. Letting rainfall do the work saves water, saves money and helps the region keep building its supplies.
While this is a milestone worth celebrating, drought conditions have not ended. Stage II remains a severe drought warning, and rainfall and streamflow remain below long-term averages. Tampa Bay Water will continue to closely monitor conditions as the region moves into the late fall and winter months.
October Water Supply Update:
For news media requests, please contact: Malique Rankin Public Communications Specialist Phone: (727) 337-5833
Michelle Stom, MPA, APR Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer Phone: (727) 418-4652
