News Releases

News Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brandon Moore
bmoore@tampabaywater.org
(727) 791-2304

CLEARWATER, Fla. (May 7, 2026) – As the Tampa Bay region nears the end of the typical dry season, water demands are running higher than last year—but not as high as they could be. That’s because residents across the region are stepping up and saving water.

Tampa Bay Water is seeing encouraging signs that individual actions can make a difference. In some areas, like southern Hillsborough County, the utility saw a 10% decrease in water demand in April of this year compared to last April. Still, with dry conditions persisting, the utility is asking all residents—indoors and outdoors—to “Step Up & Save” by using only the water they need and avoiding waste.

“Water demands naturally rise during the dry season, but this year they would be higher without the everyday conservation choices residents are making,” said Warren Hogg, Tampa Bay Water’s chief science officer. “As we head into the last stretch of the dry season, we need everyone—not just those with landscapes—to keep those smart water habits going.”

Dry Season Update: Where We Stand

Tampa Bay Water remains in a Stage 3 Regional Supply Shortage under its Water Shortage Mitigation Plan, reflecting continued dry conditions across the region:

• In April, Tampa Bay Water delivered an average of 228.43 million gallons per day, which is 4.7% higher than April 2025.
• The region is experiencing a 12‑month average rainfall deficit of 10.4 inches.
• April rainfall averaged just 1.0 inch, 1.4 inches below normal.
• Average streamflow deficit for the past year is 23.3 million gallons per day.

For several months, Tampa Bay Water has shared similar updates showing reductions in available river flows due to below‑average rainfall, and reduced reservoir levels. Since last September, average rainfall has been less than half what was expected. The water supply system cannot begin to recover until summer rain arrives.

Saving Water Means Saving Our Regional Reserves

The region’s water saving account, Tampa Bay Water’s C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir, continues to play an important role. At the end of April, the reservoir held 4.58 billion gallons, about 30% of its 15.5‑billion‑gallon capacity.

In addition, the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant produced an average of 13.42 million gallons per day in April, providing critical support to the system.

“These supplies make our water supply system drought resistant and help bridge the gap until regular summer rainfall returns and river flows increase,” Hogg said. “But conservation remains our most immediate and cost‑effective tool.”

Step Up & Save, Inside and Out

While following local watering days saves the most water, Tampa Bay Water emphasizes that saving water is not just for those with lawns.

Residents can do more to Step Up & Save by:

• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving
• Fixing leaky faucets and running toilets
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
• Taking shorter showers
• Using water‑efficient fixtures and appliances

“Every gallon saved indoors reduces demand on the entire regional system,” Hogg noted. “Even small changes add up when everyone participates.”

Learn More and Take Action

Tampa Bay Water invites residents to learn more about simple, practical ways to conserve water at tampabaywater.org/stepup.

“As we wrap up this dry season, we’re grateful for the community’s efforts so far,” Hogg said. “With one last push, we can protect our water supply and enter the rainy season ready to recover—together.”

About Tampa Bay Water

Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members, who in turn, supply water to more than 2.6 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water member governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org.