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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 337-5833 CLEARWATER, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – Water supply conditions across the Tampa Bay region continued to improve during September, although long-term...
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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 337-5833 CLEARWATER, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2026) – Above-normal rainfall in August helped improve regional water supply conditions, increasing storage in the C.W....
News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 337-5833 CLEARWATER, Fla. (Aug 3, 2026) – Tampa Bay Water is accepting applications for its Water Conservation and Protection Grant Program. The...
News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 337-5833 CLEARWATER, Fla. (July 8, 2026) – Tampa Bay Water is urging residents to continue conserving water as drought conditions persist across...
In addition to rain, river flows have picked up since late August.
October 14, 2026
Recent rainfall has added 830 million gallons to the region’s reservoir in four days.
October 13, 2026
Recent rainfall has nearly doubled Tampa Bay’s reservoir supply in 30 days, offering relief from a prolonged drought.
October 9, 2026
All residents remain under one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours through March 31, 2027.
October 7, 2026
If you live in the Lithia area, you'll be hearing sirens at 9 a.m. But don't be alarmed — you don't need to evacuate. It's just a test.
Florida Polytechnic University welcomed high school students to campus on Saturday, Sept. 26, for its inaugural Environmental Engineering Day, offering hands-on experiences in sustainability and water quality.
October 6, 2026
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended Phase III modified water shortage restrictions across the Tampa Bay area through March 31, 2027.
September 24, 2026
The region will be under watering restrictions for close to a year by the time the restrictions expire.
September 23, 2026
Six more months of only watering your lawn once a week.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Sept. 22 to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through March 31, 2027, due to ongoing drought conditions.
All residents remain under one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours through March 31, 2027
The Southwest Florida Water Management District just extended "extreme" water shortage restrictions as large portions of the state continue to battle drought.
Despite recent downpours and the end of the summer rainy season, a severe multi-year drought continues to plague much of Florida.
SWFWMD has extended watering restrictions across Tampa Bay and West FL again, as the water shortage continues throughout the region.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended current water restrictions through March 31, 2027, due to ongoing drought conditions, the district announced Wednesday.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended the Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage.
September 22, 2026
This means you can only water outdoors once a week, on your assigned day.
The water shortage was set to expire on Oct. 1.
Southwest Florida water officials voted today to keep strict, once-a-week lawn watering rules in place through March 31, 2027, as a dry weather pattern continues to leave rivers, lakes, and reservoirs across the region well below normal levels.
Parts of Florida are still experiencing a drought and it’s causing changes to our drinking water because more of it is being pumped from the ground instead of skimmed from the rivers.
September 15, 2026
South of Riverview, where cattle pastures and strawberry fields once defined the landscape, Wimauma is turning into Hillsborough County's newest suburban frontier.
September 10, 2026
A $21.05 million construction project that connected a new intake pump station to one of Tampa Bay's only desalination facilities has earned a national design-build award, capping an 18-month build that took place inside an active Tampa Electric Company power plant without a single safety incident.
September 9, 2026
You will hear three to five short blasts lasting up to 20 seconds today.
September 2, 2026
Popular local restaurant Whiskey Joe's is doing their part to conserve water, using a new piece of equipment that helps thaw meat quicker and with less water.
August 31, 2026
The kitchen at Whiskey Joe’s thaws frozen food as part of its daily routine. Now, it’s doing so more quickly while using significantly less water.
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has announced the 2026 National Design-Build Project/Team Award Merit Winners, recognizing 32 projects across 10 categories.
The sidewalk along Victoria Street is currently closed within the active construction zone, east of North Kings Avenue. As South Hillsborough Pipeline construction progresses eastward, the sidewalk and intersection crossings at North Knights Avenue and North Moon Avenue will also be closed.
August 25, 2026
Temple Terrace City Council members told staff this month to stop chasing a pipeline to Hillsborough County to solve its water issues and focus instead on rebuilding the city's own water treatment system — a plan that, combined with a temporary PFAS fix, could require a 35% water-rate increase next year.
August 23, 2026
Residents along Balm Boyette Road will wake up to cranes, excavators and round-the-clock diesel pumps starting Monday, Aug. 10, as the South Hillsborough Pipeline project opens its newest construction segment on the east side of the road southwest of Woodland Spur Drive.
August 10, 2026
Despite what seems like almost daily rainfall, the Tampa Bay region is still in a severe drought.
August 6, 2026
Rain deficits for the year shrank after Tropical Storm Bertha and other storms drenched Tampa Bay.
Recent rainfall has helped improve water conditions across the Tampa Bay area, but water officials say the region is still facing the effects of a prolonged drought that left rainfall totals well below average over the past year.
Recent rain in the Tampa Bay area is helping refill reservoirs, but the region remains in a significant drought.
August 5, 2026
Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to direct staff to study the impacts of artificial intelligence data centers and ordered the county attorney to draft a moratorium ordinance.
Tampa water officials say rain is needed in the Upper Alafia and Upper Hillsborough River basins.
August 4, 2026
Join Anni and expert guests Julia Palaschak and Lissan Uppgard, discussing water conservation and Tampa Bay Water Wise.
July 24, 2026
For the first time since October, Tampa Bay Water has started pumping water back into its regional reservoir for Tampa residents to eventually drink.
July 22, 2026
The region is more than 11 inches below normal rainfall over the past year, and reservoir levels remain well below normal.
July 2, 2026
As construction on the South Hillsborough Pipeline continues, drivers are dealing with traffic delays and detours.
June 24, 2026
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage.
June 23, 2026
So when is the rain coming? No major storms are currently forecast.
Rainfall deficits and declining water resources continue to challenge the region’s drinking water system.
Strict Bay Area water restrictions will remain in place across the region through the summer following a governing board vote.
The test will happen at 9 am, and officials stress this is only a test designed to make sure the system works properly in the event of a real emergency.
June 3, 2026
Lawn watering has been cut back, but it’s still allowed.
May 21, 2026
The company received this prestigious distinction for developing a smart system for the Tampa Bay desalination plant in Florida.
Pinellas County officials discussed using water restrictions, utility policies, and tax incentive bans to discourage massive data centers during a May 14 work session.
May 19, 2026
From 9 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, through 6 a.m. on Monday, May 18, Woodberry and Limona roads will be closed at Lakewood Drive, along with the interior lanes of Lakewood Drive as crews modify the traffic signal timing to prepare for tunneling work on the South Hillsborough Pipeline.
May 15, 2026
Rapid growth has increased water demand. But experts say not all development is created equal.
Water and wastewater contractor Garney has broken ground on the new One Water – South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project, or “One Water Project,” in Tampa.
May 6, 2026
As work continues on the South Hillsborough Pipeline along McMullen Road, we want to remind residents, commuters and project team members that local businesses in the area remain open, accessible and ready to serve you.
The massive infrastructure project will eventually deliver up to 65 million gallons of water daily to South Hillsborough County.
Florida officials are encouraging everyone to keep usage down while waiting for rain.
The road closure is part of the Tampa Bay Water Project. If on schedule, the road will reopen on June 27th.
May 4, 2026
As the lack of rain spurs restrictions, officers go out in the dark, issuing first-time citations.
May 3, 2026
Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project holds the 4th Tampa Bay Chalk Festival on the Historic Deuces on 22nd Street in St. Petersburg, with the theme “Our Watery Futures 2.”
April 30, 2026
Across Tampa Bay, hoteliers are embracing upgrades that significantly reduce water use and boost their bottom lines.
April 29, 2026
As Bacliff residents question a proposed desalination plant in Texas City over concerns it could harm Galveston Bay, one of the nation’s largest facilities offers a real-world test of whether seawater can be turned into drinking water without damaging marine life.
April 24, 2026
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative will have the option of drawing water from the Alafia River after all.
April 23, 2026
American Rivers just named the famed Suwannee River as one of the 10 most endangered in the U.S.
David Kulp and Michele Burt's home is surrounded by 300 plants of 88 different varieties.
April 20, 2026
April is Water Conservation Month, and the driest month of the year, and this year, it comes during one of the most significant droughts in the last 50 years.
On Monday, Tampa Bay Water recognized residents David Kulp and Michele Burt with the annual Community Water Wise Award. The couple’s landscape features 88 different plant species and roughly 300 plants total, managed entirely through water-efficient methods.
Tampa water customers are facing tighter outdoor watering limits as the Southwest Florida Water Management District rolls out a Modified Phase III "Extreme" water shortage order.
April 15, 2026
Here's how experts say you can help battle the ongoing drought in the Tampa Bay area.
April 8, 2026
The drought is also fueling brush fires to take place including one in Hernando County that prompted evacuations.
March 31, 2026
For the past 17 years, the Times has conducted a Top Workplaces survey.
March 27, 2026
In March, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions across the region.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has tightened water restrictions as drought conditions continue across the region.
Tampa Bay Water is using the Tampa bypass canal to give more water to the city of Tampa and allow for more of its water supply to reach other of its customers in the region.
March 26, 2026
New water restrictions from SWFWMD include limiting how much water a restaurant can serve and home lawn watering.
The region hasn't experienced such dry conditions for decades. Restrictions are in place to further limit outdoor watering.
Despite a few recent bouts of rain, Tampa Bay remains in its worst drought in 15 years and its most severe water shortage in decades.
As drought conditions deepen across west‑central Florida, restaurants are now required to limit how they serve water to customers under a newly declared Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage.
March 25, 2026
Amid the worst drought in nearly 15 years, local water officials approved stronger restrictions set to begin in early April.
Tampa Bay residents will have to cut back further on water usage amid ballooning heat and what will likely be a dry remainder of the month.
Outdoor watering is estimated to be half of all the water used by residents. The new restrictions limit irrigation to one day a week - and only at night. It takes effect April 3.
March 24, 2026
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has approved stricter "Modified Phase 3 Extreme" water shortage restrictions.
A historic water shortage is impacting Tampa, Florida. Officials have issued a stage 3 extreme regional water supply shortage around the city, and there is no sign of relief anytime soon.
March 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Water is building a 26-mile pipeline through South Hillsborough County to meet the region's growing demand for drinking water, with construction underway at multiple locations.
March 16, 2026
A major water infrastructure upgrade is underway in Tampa as crews begin work on a $181 million expansion of the Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant.
March 12, 2026
Construction is already underway on the Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant and will continue through 2028, according to a news release.
March 10, 2026
A water leak in a Tarpon Springs neighborhood left residents frustrated after the city took more than two days to fix the problem.
March 9, 2026
The ongoing drought isn't getting any better. Tampa Bay Water is issuing what it calls a "Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage."
Tampa Bay Water urges conservation as the region’s main drinking water supply dries up during severe drought conditions.
Regional water utility warns of major changes to water supply as key rivers dry up
March 6, 2026
The Tampa Bay region is facing one of the worst water shortages in 50 years, and Tampa Bay Water officials say they can no longer take water from rivers to use for the drinking water supply.
Tampa Bay Water officials are urging residents to conserve water as the region faces a severe drought and a critical drinking water shortage.
Tampa Bay Water declared an “extreme Stage 3 water supply shortage” Friday, citing low rainfall, low river flows and projected low levels in the region’s reservoir.
The Tampa Bay area is experiencing one of its worst water supply shortages in decades, with drought conditions now classified as "extreme."
Residents across the Tampa Bay region in Florida are being urged to immediately cut back on their water use, including shortening showers, after officials triggered a Stage 3 Extreme Regional Water Supply Shortage, one of the most severe shortages the area has faced in at least 50 years.
Tampa Bay Water will hold a news conference on Friday to address how much the river has dropped.
Due to persistent severe drought conditions, Tampa Bay Water announced that water from the Alafia River is no longer viable as a source for the drinking water supply in the surrounding area.
Tampa Bay Water officials declared a phase 3 extreme water shortage Thursday as the region faces one of the worst water supply crises in 50 years, urging residents to cut back on irrigation and follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
March 5, 2026
Severe drought conditions in the Tampa Bay region have forced water managers to stop drawing drinking water from local rivers and rely on alternative sources.
In the wake of the current drought, the utility that supplies drinking water to most of Tampa Bay says it will make a “major regional water supply announcement” Friday.
Sparse rains, trickling river flows and a quiet hurricane season have fueled a worsening drought.
Tampa Bay Water has officially begun construction on a major expansion of its Tampa Bay Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant, marking a $181 million investment aimed at reinforcing long-term drinking water security for Florida’s west-central Gulf Coast.
March 3, 2026
Tampa Bay Water is expanding its Surface Water Treatment Plant to deliver 12.5 million gallons more water each day.
The region's water needs are growing rapidly, and Tampa Bay Water is timing its plant expansion carefully to add millions of gallons of daily capacity exactly when it's needed most.
$181M Investment Strengthens Reliable, Sustainable Regional Drinking Water Supply
March 2, 2026
The expansion adds 12.5 mgd by 2028 under existing river withdrawal permits.
Tampa Bay Water warns of worsening drought conditions as lower-than-normal rainfall and streamflow continue across the region.
February 10, 2026
Tampa Bay Water announced a Stage 2 drought warning last week after the region recorded an average rainfall deficit of 10.84 inches over the past 12 months. That’s more than 10 million gallons per day.
One Florida community is asking its residents to dial back on their water usage as a lengthy drought grips the region.
February 8, 2026
Starting Sunday, Hillsborough County residents will have to follow a new lawn-watering schedule because of escalating drought conditions.
Much of the Tampa Bay region is facing severe or extreme drought conditions, triggering a Stage 2 Drought Warning for the area.
February 6, 2026
Researchers documented levels of PFAS that far exceed the EPA recommendations in Tampa Bay’s water, fish and sediments.
Tampa Bay Water issued a stage 2 drought warning, starting February 8th, Tampa Bay residents will only be able to water their yards once a week.
February 5, 2026
Tampa Bay Water has announced funding for seven projects through its 2026 Water Conservation and Protection Mini Grant Program.
Tampa Bay Water is asking residents of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties to do their part.
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Water (TBW) said it will be conducting a test of its emergency siren system at the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir on Wednesday morning.
Both events are free, with a free shuttle provided from the SouthCore parking garage to the waterfront events.
February 3, 2026
Exciting hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits and direct connections to emerging careers will take center stage at this year’s St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest.
Tampa Bay Water says the South Hillsborough Pipeline will deliver 65 million gallons of drinking water daily.
February 1, 2026
The “severe” water shortage order will take effect in early February.
January 28, 2026
Tampa Bay Water gave tips on how to conserve water.
Tampa Bay Water has officially broken ground on a massive infrastructure project designed to keep up with rapid growth in southern Hillsborough County: a 26-mile underground water pipeline expected to deliver up to 65 million gallons of water per day.
All residents under one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
January 27, 2026
The main restriction is to reduce lawn watering to once a week if your municipality isn't already under that restriction.
SWFWMD is expected to go into Phase 2 restrictions, reducing lawn watering to once a week for properties of less than 1 acre.
January 26, 2026
The state’s water supply is being strained by drought, over-pumping, and paving over recharge areas.
January 22, 2026
As areas grow, change happens and construction seems inevitable. But as plans began for the South Hillsborough Pipeline Project, traffic was a key consideration.
January 20, 2026
In early January 2026, Northwest Pipe Company announced the first commercial use of its patent-pending Permalok Radial Bending Joint technology on Tampa Bay Water’s South Hillsborough Pipeline project, supplying 5,764 linear feet of steel casing pipe for 18 underground crossings.
January 14, 2026
A new platform is being tested at the Tampa Bay desalination plant (USA) to predict critical water quality parameters and improve resilience at the facility.
January 12, 2026
Patent-pending Permalok® technology enables curved trenchless installations, reducing costs and construction impacts.
January 8, 2026
The Kansas City, Missouri-based contractor expects to place the 26-mile South Hillsborough potable water pipeline into service by the end of 2028.
January 6, 2026
Construction for the South Hillsborough Pipeline started at FishHawk Creek and at the intersection of Kings and Bloomingdale avenues.
January 2, 2026
Garney has broken ground on Tampa Bay Water’s South Hillsborough Pipeline. The new 26-mile potable water pipeline has a capacity of 65 million gallons per day (MGD).
December 29, 2025
A massive multi-year project just got underway in Hillsborough County to help carry drinking water 26 miles to a new booming area.
December 16, 2025
As Tampa Bay Water begins one of the largest construction projects in the region’s history, commuters should be prepared for traffic delays along the 26-mile route.
December 15, 2025
A Tampa Bay Water official said that over the last three months, we didn't get enough water, since the reservoir also plays a crucial role in replenishing sources.
December 8, 2025
The city of Tampa gets most of its water from the Hillsborough River, which isn’t very full right now because it wasn’t a very rainy "rainy season."
December 3, 2025
The new pipeline will deliver clean drinking water throughout the region, from Brandon to Lithia and the Wimauma/Balm area, once completed in 2028.
November 26, 2025
A large metal box lies far off the public trail in a New Port Richey wilderness preserve, tucked away.
November 25, 2025
The ban prohibits all outdoor open burning, including fire pits, fireworks and sparklers — a holiday favorite many families will have to go without this week.
Tampa Bay Water is evaluating a series of proposals that would provide water for the anticipated half-million new residents who are expected to move into the region by 2043.
November 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Water began its Water Wise program 5 years ago, with a goal of conserving one million gallons per day, which the agency reached for the first time last month, according to Demand Management Program Manager Amelia Brown.
November 19, 2025
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is putting counties and homeowners on notice by issuing a phase one water shortage.
November 18, 2025
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is declaring a Phase One water shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a phase one water shortage.
Starting Dec. 1, 2025, "wasteful and unnecessary" water usage across areas in Southwest Florida will be prohibited.
Residents asked to conserve by following their local watering restrictions and checking their irrigation systems and timers.
Chuck Carden, general manager of Tampa Bay Water, told the Pinellas County Commission on Thursday that the regional water supplier currently delivers about 209 million gallons a day to member governments and that Pinellas County purchases roughly 50 million gallons a day.
November 13, 2025
This is the first major pipeline construction project in at least 15 years, Tampa Bay Water says. The construction will impact traffic in the area.
A Tampa pilot led by SkyTL and ACCIONA uses AI to detect water quality threats before they impact drinking water operations.
November 10, 2025
With parts of Hillsborough County in a moderate drought, officials urge residents to conserve water.
November 9, 2025
After nearly four decades of inspiring young minds, Great Explorations Children’s Museum is dreaming bigger.
October 27, 2025
Raising the specter of not being able to meet future water needs, a Polk County agency is challenging a decision that would allow the neighboring Tampa Bay region to pull more water from the Alafia River.
October 24, 2025
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative is legally challenging a permit granted to Tampa Bay Water for increased water withdrawals from the Alafia River.
Both Tampa Bay Water and Polk County want a piece of the river. Now a judge could decide who gets it.
October 23, 2025
Two water agencies are battling over access to a key source they claim is instrumental to support the region’s rapid population growth.
The Polk cooperative is fighting a July permit decision by the water management district to allow Tampa Bay Water to withdraw more water from the Alafia.
October 22, 2025
Areas of Central and Southwest Florida have long grappled with water-supply issues as populations and water demands have increased.
October 21, 2025
As the region's population swells, Tampa Bay's water agency is laying out a road map for the future.
October 14, 2025
A $505 million, 26-mile water pipeline project will break ground next month in southern Hillsborough County.
October 13, 2025
Tampa Bay Water has an interesting history and many stories that make us who we are. Book someone from Tampa Bay Water’s Speakers Bureau to share our stories and history with you and your organization.
Tampa Bay Water’s Speakers Bureau is available to schools, universities, community organizations and civic groups to share knowledge and expertise on topics related to water, treatment, environmental stewardship, source water protection, conservation and more.
Make your application stand out: Tampa Bay Water’s Water Conservation and Protection Grants Program is accepting applications through Nov. 13, 2026. Applicants who schedule a consultation with the program administrator by Oct. 30, 2026, can receive early feedback, refine their proposals, and strengthen their submissions before the final deadline. The Water Conservation and Protection Grant…
The Tampa Bay area is growing, and Tampa Bay Water is making progress on three projects to meet its mandate of providing clean drinking water to the region. South Hillsborough Wellfield In August, Tampa Bay Water’s board awarded Stantec Consulting Services $14.3 million for professional engineering services on the South Hillsborough Wellfield. The South…
Tampa Bay Water’s 2027 Fiscal Year Budget has earned a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This marks the 18th consecutive year the agency has received this prestigious honor. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recognizes agencies that prepare high-quality budget documents that reflect both…
Tampa Bay Water issues revenue bonds to fund its Capital Improvement Program and maintain the regional drinking water system. In July, Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors approved issuing new fixed-interest-rate revenue bonds to fund the utility’s capital projects and new fixed-interest-rate refunding bonds to refund existing debt. On Aug. 4, the utility priced the…
Just as homeowners may refinance a mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates to lower payments or make future costs more manageable, Tampa Bay Water uses revenue bonds similarly to fund major infrastructure investments and ease pressure of existing debt. This month, Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors approved a bond resolution that allows…
