Tampa Bay Water recently received final approval to continue its increased permitted withdrawal limit from the Alafia River, marking a significant step toward strengthening reliability of the region’s drinking water supply and preparing for future dry seasons.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted at its May meeting to approve a modified Water Use Permit, allowing Tampa Bay Water to continue to withdraw up to 19% of the river’s available flow when minimum environmental thresholds are met, capped at 75 million gallons per day (mgd). The updated permit extends through 2040 and follows the resolution of a legal challenge filed by the Polk Regional Water Cooperative.
The decision brings to a close a process that began in May 2025, when Tampa Bay Water submitted its application to increase withdrawals from the river. The agency’s previous permit allowed withdrawals of 10% of available flow, capped at 60 mgd.
The modified permit plays a key role in meeting growing regional demand across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. The additional supply will be used strategically to refill the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir more quickly each year, ensuring adequate reserves ahead of our next dry season.
Evaluation of historical flow data from the Alafia River shows the increased permitted withdrawal amount could yield an annual average gain of 13.5 mgd, without adverse environmental impacts.
“This is a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solution to meeting increasing regional water demands,” said Warren Hogg, Tampa Bay Water’s chief science officer.
Tampa Bay Water’s Alafia River Pump Station already has the capacity to divert up to 75 mgd, meaning no new infrastructure is required.
On final review, The District issued a Final Order dismissing the legal challenge made by Polk Regional Water Cooperative and granting the modified permit. The decision was approved without comment by the Governing Board.
