News Releases

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Malique Rankin
mrankin@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 Florida, and the Tampa Bay region remains in a Stage 3 Regional Supply Shortage. 

While recent rainfall has provided some relief, it has not reversed the long-term impacts of the extended drought. Recent rains have favored coastal areas. While this helps keep water use lower in coastal communities, sustained summer rains are needed in inland areas to increase flows in the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers. Water sources throughout the region remain below normal levels, and recovery will require sustained rainfall over time to replenish rivers, lakes, groundwater supplies and the regional reservoir. Agency staff continue to closely monitor conditions and stress that conservation remains one of the most effective ways residents can help protect the region’s water supply. 

The ongoing drought is not limited to the Tampa Bay area. Much of Florida continues to experience rainfall deficits and stressed water resources. Reflecting the severity of those conditions, the Southwest Florida Water Management District recently extended its Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order through Oct. 1, maintaining one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions across its 16-county region, including the Tampa Bay region. 

"The drought continues to significantly affect water supplies across Florida, including here in the Tampa Bay region,” said Warren Hogg, chief science officer for Tampa Bay Water. "The recent rainfall is a positive sign, but a full recovery of the region’s water resources will require months of consistent rain." 

Tampa Bay Water's regional system relies on a combination of groundwater, river water, reservoir storage and desalinated seawater. During prolonged dry periods, the system depends more heavily on stored supplies and alternative water sources when river flows decline. Continued conservation reduces demand on those resources and helps protect the region’s overall water supply as we wait for the sustained summer rainfall to begin. 

June Water Supply Update: 

• Tampa Bay Water delivered an average of 206.2 million gallons per day in June, 7.1 percent higher than June 2025. 
• The region is experiencing a 12-month average rainfall deficit of 14.46 inches. 
• June rainfall averaged 3.02 inches, 4.95 inches below normal. 
• The average streamflow deficit for the past year is 23.3 million gallons per day. 
• The C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir held 2.28 billion gallons at the end of June, about 14.7 percent of its 15.5-billion-gallon capacity. 
• The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant produced an average of 12.8 million gallons per day in June. 

Every drop saved helps. Reducing outdoor irrigation, fixing leaks and avoiding unnecessary water use can collectively make a significant difference while the region remains under drought conditions.  

Outdoor irrigation remains one of the most impactful ways to save water. Lawns generally need water no more than once per week, and irrigation should be skipped after rainfall. 

Tampa Bay Water also encourages residents to check that their irrigation system's rain shut-off device is functioning properly and is set to one-half inch or less, so sprinklers do not run unnecessarily. Soil-moisture sensors can further reduce unnecessary watering. 

Residents can continue to Step Up & Save by: 

• Watering lawns no more than one day per week and only during allowed times 
• Turning off sprinklers if it has rained that week 
• Waiting for regular summer rain before planting new landscaping or laying sod 
• Fixing broken sprinkler heads, leaking irrigation lines, faucets and running toilets 
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads 
• Taking shorter showers 
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving 

Tampa Bay Water will continue monitoring supply conditions and working with its member governments throughout the shortage. 

Residents can learn more about simple ways to save water at tampabaywater.org/stepup.

About Tampa Bay Water
Tampa Bay Water provides wholesale water to the public utility systems of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, as well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more about Tampa Bay Water, please visit tampabaywater.org.