News Releases

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Malique Rankin
mrankin@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 rainfall and streamflow deficits remain.

The region received an average of 6.2 inches of rainfall during September, 0.9 inch below normal for the month. While recent rainfall has helped replenish regional water supplies, the Tampa Bay area continues to experience a 12-month average rainfall deficit of 10 inches.

Tampa Bay Water delivered an average of 180.12 million gallons per day (mgd) during September, representing a 10% decrease compared to September 2025. Reduced water demand, combined with seasonal rainfall, has helped support regional water supply recovery.

The C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir held 9.39 billion gallons of water at the end of September, approximately 60% of its 15.5-billion-gallon capacity. The reservoir acts as our water savings account as the region weathers periods of below-average rainfall.

Although conditions have improved in recent months, long-term hydrologic indicators continue to reflect the effects of previous dry weather. The region's average streamflow deficit over the past 12 months was 28.0 mgd at the end of September, and rainfall remains below long-term averages.

The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant produced an average of 10.9 mgd during September, helping meet regional drinking water needs through Tampa Bay Water's diverse supply system, which includes groundwater, river water, reservoir storage and desalinated seawater.

"Tampa Bay Water's diverse water supply system continues to provide reliable drinking water for our region while helping us adapt to changing weather conditions," said Warren Hogg, Chief Science Officer. "Recent rainfall and lower demand have contributed to improving water supply conditions, and we will continue to closely monitor conditions as we move into the dry season."

September 2026 Water Supply Conditions:

• Tampa Bay Water delivered an average of 180.12 mgd in September, 10% lower than September 2025.
• The region's 12-month average rainfall deficit is 10 inches.
• September rainfall averaged 6.2 inches, 0.9 inch below normal.
• The average streamflow deficit over the past 12 months was 28 mgd.
• The C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir contained 9.39 billion gallons, or approximately 60% of capacity, at the end of September.
• The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant produced an average of 10.9 mgd during September.