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Tampa Bay Water provides wholesale water to the public utility systems of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.
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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Brandon Moorebmoore@tampabaywater.org(727) 791-2304 CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 6, 2026) – April is Water Conservation Month and, Tampa Bay Water is encouraging residents to make water...
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News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Malique Rankinmrankin@tampabaywater.org(727) 791-2315 CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 1, 2026) – Awards season is now open for the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards, a regional...
News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Brandon Moorebmoore@tampabaywater.org(727) 791-2304 CLEARWATER, Fla. (March 31, 2026) – Tampa Bay Water was named a Top Workplace for 2026 by the Tampa Bay Times in...
News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Brandon Moorebmoore@tampabaywater.org(727) 791-2304 CLEARWATER, Fla. (March 5, 2026) – Due to persistent severe drought conditions, the Tampa Bay region is facing one of the...
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.
March 2, 2026
$181M Investment Strengthens Reliable, Sustainable Regional Drinking Water Supply
The expansion adds 12.5 mgd by 2028 under existing river withdrawal permits.
February 10, 2026
Tampa Bay Water warns of worsening drought conditions as lower-than-normal rainfall and streamflow continue across the region.
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.
February 8, 2026
One Florida community is asking its residents to dial back on their water usage as a lengthy drought grips the region.
Starting Sunday, Hillsborough County residents will have to follow a new lawn-watering schedule because of escalating drought conditions.
February 6, 2026
Much of the Tampa Bay region is facing severe or extreme drought conditions, triggering a Stage 2 Drought Warning for the area.
Researchers documented levels of PFAS that far exceed the EPA recommendations in Tampa Bay’s water, fish and sediments.
February 5, 2026
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.
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.
February 3, 2026
Both events are free, with a free shuttle provided from the SouthCore parking garage to the waterfront events.
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.
February 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Water says the South Hillsborough Pipeline will deliver 65 million gallons of drinking water daily.
January 28, 2026
The “severe” water shortage order will take effect in early February.
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.
January 27, 2026
All residents under one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
The main restriction is to reduce lawn watering to once a week if your municipality isn't already under that restriction.
January 26, 2026
SWFWMD is expected to go into Phase 2 restrictions, reducing lawn watering to once a week for properties of less than 1 acre.
January 22, 2026
The state’s water supply is being strained by drought, over-pumping, and paving over recharge areas.
January 20, 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 14, 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 12, 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 8, 2026
Patent-pending Permalok® technology enables curved trenchless installations, reducing costs and construction impacts.
January 6, 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 2, 2026
Construction for the South Hillsborough Pipeline started at FishHawk Creek and at the intersection of Kings and Bloomingdale avenues.
December 29, 2025
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 16, 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 15, 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 8, 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 3, 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."
November 26, 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 25, 2025
A large metal box lies far off the public trail in a New Port Richey wilderness preserve, tucked away.
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.
November 20, 2025
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 19, 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 18, 2025
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is putting counties and homeowners on notice by issuing a phase one water shortage.
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.
November 13, 2025
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.
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.
November 10, 2025
A Tampa pilot led by SkyTL and ACCIONA uses AI to detect water quality threats before they impact drinking water operations.
November 9, 2025
With parts of Hillsborough County in a moderate drought, officials urge residents to conserve water.
October 27, 2025
After nearly four decades of inspiring young minds, Great Explorations Children’s Museum is dreaming bigger.
October 24, 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.
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative is legally challenging a permit granted to Tampa Bay Water for increased water withdrawals from the Alafia River.
October 23, 2025
Both Tampa Bay Water and Polk County want a piece of the river. Now a judge could decide who gets it.
Two water agencies are battling over access to a key source they claim is instrumental to support the region’s rapid population growth.
October 22, 2025
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.
Areas of Central and Southwest Florida have long grappled with water-supply issues as populations and water demands have increased.
October 21, 2025
October 14, 2025
As the region's population swells, Tampa Bay's water agency is laying out a road map for the future.
October 13, 2025
A $505 million, 26-mile water pipeline project will break ground next month in southern Hillsborough County.
September 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Water is a wholesale drinking water supplier for three cities and three counties across 2,000 square miles in the growing metro area around Tampa Bay, Florida.
August 28, 2025
Remediation and cost remain uncertain.
August 17, 2025
"This agreement will benefit public water systems nationwide."
August 14, 2025
"Provides expert advice, tools, and guidance, so that homeowners are making the most out of every drop."
August 13, 2025
Tampa Bay Water’s Water Wise program is combating climate change and saving participants money, one toilet flush at a time.
July 29, 2025
A yearslong battle against chemical giants culminates in a windfall for a Florida water provider.
July 25, 2025
Tampa Bay Water was awarded $21 million in a settlement after a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.
The payout stems from a nationwide class action against PFAS manufacturers, with additional funds likely.
July 24, 2025
Tampa Bay Water will receive $21 million from chemical companies 3M and DuPont to address PFAS contamination after a yearslong lawsuit over the pollutants known as “forever chemicals.”
A new rebate program is giving Tampa homeowners the opportunity to reduce their water bills and conserve one of the region’s most precious resources.
July 23, 2025
Tampa Water Department customers now have an opportunity to save water and reduce utility bills with a new rebate pilot program aimed at improving irrigation efficiency.
The funds come from a national settlement with chemical manufacturers 3M, DuPont, and others, and will help test and treat water for PFAS contamination.
Inefficient irrigation systems can waste thousands of precious gallons of water — and drive-up monthly utility bills.
The Tampa Water Department is rolling out a new initiative to help homeowners streamline their water use, particularly when it comes to lawn irrigation.
The money will be used to bolster drinking water quality and meet new federal limits.
The water supplier for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties doesn't yet know how much it'll cost to get slightly elevated levels of PFAS filtered out of a few of its water sources.
July 22, 2025
Tampa Bay Water officials said a new settlement will help them keep drinking water safe across three counties.
July 14, 2025
A Bay Area man has dedicated his life to taking care of the local drinking water and to volunteering at the Florida Marine Aquarium.
July 10, 2025
One official briefed was told it may have involved Iran, but there's no evidence any attempt was made.
June 2, 2025
S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'AA+' rating to Tampa Bay Water (TBW, or the authority), Fla.'s roughly $160 million series 2025 utility system revenue refunding bonds.
May 27, 2025
Cities Grappling with Rapid Population Growth and Its Consequences
May 5, 2025
FOX 13's Charley Belcher takes us to the Great Explorations Children's Museum.
A new exhibit aimed at teaching kids how wetlands protect Florida’s water supply is now open at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.
The Stock Island plant joins a growing number of reverse osmosis facilities across Florida.
May 2, 2025
Major changes are coming to South Hillsborough County as crews get ready to break ground on a vital new water pipeline.
May 1, 2025
Great Explorations Children’s Museum is proud to debut Wonders of Wetlands, a brand-new interactive exhibit made possible by Tampa Bay Water.
The Great Explorations Children’s Museum is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest interactive exhibit, Wonders of Wetlands, designed to educate children and families about the vital role Florida’s wetlands play in water filtration and ecosystem support.
April 29, 2025
This new interactive and immersive exhibit at Great Explorations Children's Museum teaches kids all about wetlands and water.
April 24, 2025
Several projects are in the works to increase drinking water supply.
April 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Water wrapped eight public meetings for the South Hillsborough Pipeline project, which will deliver up to 65 million gallons of water per day to southern Hillsborough County when completed in 2028.
April 18, 2025
A Brandon homeowner won the 2025 Florida-Friendly Landscaping award for Hillsborough County, thanks to his environmentally-friendly yard and water conservation efforts.
April 15, 2025
The water utility approved an expansion agreement to increase its facility’s capacity for processing water.
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.
As Hillsborough County continues to grow, the South Hillsborough Pipeline will play a vital role in ensuring a reliable water supply for the community—residents, businesses, hospitals, schools, fire rescue and other essential services. ...
Every five years, Tampa Bay Water’s performance is reviewed by an independent firm to take an unbiased, big‑picture look at how we’re performing. It’s part of our commitment to transparency—and way for our board of directors to ensure we’re continuously improving the...
Water conservation is a way of life in Florida, but during extended dry periods—like the one we’re experiencing now—it becomes even more important. Ongoing dry conditions mean we’re relying more heavily on certain water sources. That’s why we’re asking everyone to use only...
As we close out Fiscal Year 2025, Tampa Bay Water reflects on the challenges and successes in managing our regional water supply. Despite inconsistent rainfall and anticipated drought conditions, strategic...
At its October meeting, Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors approved a $216.7 million proposal from Garney Companies for open-cut construction and restoration of the 26-mile-long South Hillsborough Pipeline, scheduled...
