Newsroom

Welcome to the Tampa Bay Water newsroom where you'll find news stories, story ideas, photos, video, and more. If you are a reporter, you may request interviews through our public communications department.

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.


News Media Inquiries

For news media requests, please use the media request form. If you need immediate assistance you may contact:

Michelle Stom, MPA, APR

Chief of Staff/Chief Strategy Officer
O: (727) 791-2305 | M: (727) 418-4652

Brandon Moore, APR

Public Communications Manager
O: (727) 791-2304 | M: (727) 470-0702

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Tampa Bay Water in the News

January 12, 2026

ACCIONA develops predictive AI system to ensure water quality in treatment plants

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

Northwest Pipe Company's Innovative Radial Bending Joint Makes its Florida Debut in Water Pipeline Project

Patent-pending Permalok® technology enables curved trenchless installations, reducing costs and construction impacts.

January 6, 2026

Garney breaks ground on $505.7M Florida water project

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

Year In Review – Updates On The Top Stories From 2025: Important Public Meetings Coming For South County Pipeline Project

Construction for the South Hillsborough Pipeline started at FishHawk Creek and at the intersection of Kings and Bloomingdale avenues.

December 29, 2025

Garney breaks ground on Tampa Bay Water’s largest pipe project to date

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

Massive pipeline project in Hillsborough County

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

Construction begins on 26-mile water pipeline in Hillsborough

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

Despite weekend showers Tampa Bay Water pulls early from reservoir

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

City of Tampa buying water earlier than normal to meet demand during shortage

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

Construction underway on $505M, 26-mile South Hillsborough Pipeline

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

Tampa Bay is experiencing a moderate drought. Here’s what to know

A large metal box lies far off the public trail in a New Port Richey wilderness preserve, tucked away.

November 25, 2025

Hillsborough County issues burn ban as wildfire risk and drought deepen

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 explores new water sources as region’s population grows

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 reaches goal of saving one million gallons per day

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

Southwest Florida Water Management District announces water shortage, no restrictions for now

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is putting counties and homeowners on notice by issuing a phase one water shortage.

November 18, 2025

SWFL Water Management District declares Phase 1 shortage; DeSoto, parts of Charlotte affected

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is declaring a Phase One water shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region.

November 18, 2025

Southwest Florida Water Management District announces water shortage, no restrictions for now

The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a phase one water shortage.

November 18, 2025

First phase of water restrictions to take effect across the greater Tampa Bay region

Starting Dec. 1, 2025, "wasteful and unnecessary" water usage across areas in Southwest Florida will be prohibited.

November 18, 2025

District declares Phase I water shortage

Residents asked to conserve by following their local watering restrictions and checking their irrigation systems and timers.

November 13, 2025

Tampa Bay Water says region has enough supply now but plans expansions and PFAS fixes

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.

November 13, 2025

South Hillsborough County pipeline project begins construction

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

Tampa startup uses AI to protect drinking water before problems arise

A Tampa pilot led by SkyTL and ACCIONA uses AI to detect water quality threats before they impact drinking water operations.

November 9, 2025

Tampa Bay currently in a rainfall deficit as officials urge people to conserve water

With parts of Hillsborough County in a moderate drought, officials urge residents to conserve water.

October 27, 2025

Great Explorations Children’s Museum plans new Discovery Center with focus on STEAM education

After nearly four decades of inspiring young minds, Great Explorations Children’s Museum is dreaming bigger.

October 24, 2025

Polk fights Tampa Bay water permit

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.

October 24, 2025

Polk battles neighbor over water from Alafia River, says future supply depends on source

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

Polk County utility challenges Tampa Bay Water’s pumping rights to Alafia River

Both Tampa Bay Water and Polk County want a piece of the river. Now a judge could decide who gets it.

October 23, 2025

Tampa Bay and Polk water agencies clash over Alafia River

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 Scoop: Wed. Oct. 22, 2025 Tampa Bay and Florida headlines by WMNF

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.

October 22, 2025

Polk agency challenges decision allowing Tampa Bay area to pull more water from Alafia River

Areas of Central and Southwest Florida have long grappled with water-supply issues as populations and water demands have increased.

October 21, 2025

Polk County agency fights Tampa Bay water permit

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.

October 14, 2025

Tampa Bay Water plans $525 million in projects to meet growing demand

As the region's population swells, Tampa Bay's water agency is laying out a road map for the future.

October 13, 2025

Major southern Hillsborough County water pipeline project to begin in November

A $505 million, 26-mile water pipeline project will break ground next month in southern Hillsborough County.

September 2, 2025

Maribel Medina of Tampa Bay Water: Planning Ahead to Meet Growing Demands

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

Tampa Bay Water Gets $21 Million in PFAS Lawsuit Settlement

Remediation and cost remain uncertain. 

August 17, 2025

Utility wins $20 million legal fight after dangerous chemicals found in drinking water: 'It will be transformative'

"This agreement will benefit public water systems nationwide."

August 14, 2025

City launches cash incentive for money-saving home upgrades: 'Offering rebates that make it easy to ... reduce costs'

"Provides expert advice, tools, and guidance, so that homeowners are making the most out of every drop."

August 13, 2025

Water Wise conservation program marks five efficient years

Tampa Bay Water’s Water Wise program is combating climate change and saving participants money, one toilet flush at a time.

July 29, 2025

Tampa Bay Water wins $21M from 'forever chemicals' lawsuit

A yearslong battle against chemical giants culminates in a windfall for a Florida water provider.

July 25, 2025

Tampa Bay Water awarded $21 million in settlement

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.

July 25, 2025

Tampa Bay Water to receive $21M in chemical settlement

The payout stems from a nationwide class action against PFAS manufacturers, with additional funds likely.

July 24, 2025

Tampa Bay water utility secures $21 million to fight PFAS contamination in drinking water

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.”

July 24, 2025

Tampa launches new rebate program to help homeowners save money and water

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 launches rebate program to promote water-efficient irrigation

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.

July 23, 2025

Tampa Bay Water secures $21M+ in lawsuit over ‘forever chemicals’ to ensure safer drinking water

The funds come from a national settlement with chemical manufacturers 3M, DuPont, and others, and will help test and treat water for PFAS contamination.

July 23, 2025

New Rebate Program Rewards Homeowners for Making Water-Wise Upgrades to Their Irrigation System

Inefficient irrigation systems can waste thousands of precious gallons of water — and drive-up monthly utility bills.

July 23, 2025

Tampa Rolls Out Rebate Program for Water-Saving Lawn Irrigation Upgrades

The Tampa Water Department is rolling out a new initiative to help homeowners streamline their water use, particularly when it comes to lawn irrigation. 

July 23, 2025

Tampa Bay Water wins $21M against ‘forever chemicals’ producers in settlement

The money will be used to bolster drinking water quality and meet new federal limits.

July 23, 2025

Tampa Bay Water, leader in 'forever chemical' litigation, receives more than $21 million in settlement

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 awarded $21M+ in class action settlement over ‘forever chemicals’

Tampa Bay Water officials said a new settlement will help them keep drinking water safe across three counties.

July 22, 2025

Tampa Bay Water awarded $21M+ in class action settlement over ‘forever chemicals’

Tampa Bay Water officials said a new settlement will help them keep drinking water safe across three counties.

July 14, 2025

Warren Hogg volunteers at Florida Marine Aquarium for 30 years

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

Feds told Tampa officials about a possible cyber attack on water infrastructure during Fourth of July weekend

One official briefed was told it may have involved Iran, but there's no evidence any attempt was made.

June 2, 2025

Tampa Bay Water, FL Series 2025 Utility System Revenue Bonds Assigned 'AA+' Rating; Outlook Stable

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

Sunbelt Surge: Tampa and Orlando In Top Ten Destination For Movers

Cities Grappling with Rapid Population Growth and Its Consequences

May 5, 2025

Charley's World | Great Explorations Children's Museum

FOX 13's Charley Belcher takes us to the Great Explorations Children's Museum.

May 5, 2025

“Wonders of Wetlands” exhibit opens at Great Explorations Museum

A new exhibit aimed at teaching kids how wetlands protect Florida’s water supply is now open at Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

May 5, 2025

Gov. DeSantis marks opening of new reverse osmosis facility in the Keys

The Stock Island plant joins a growing number of reverse osmosis facilities across Florida.

May 2, 2025

Spring Update On Big Pipeline Project In South Hillsborough

Major changes are coming to South Hillsborough County as crews get ready to break ground on a vital new water pipeline.

May 1, 2025

Discover the ‘Wonders of Wetlands’ at Great Explorations

Great Explorations Children’s Museum is proud to debut Wonders of Wetlands, a brand-new interactive exhibit made possible by Tampa Bay Water.

May 1, 2025

New 'Wonders of Wetlands' Exhibit at Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete

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

Wonders of Wetlands Exhibit

This new interactive and immersive exhibit at Great Explorations Children's Museum teaches kids all about wetlands and water.

April 24, 2025

The drought is over, but Tampa Bay must be vigilant with its water

Several projects are in the works to increase drinking water supply.

April 20, 2025

Tampa Bay Water amps up accessible public meetings and recordings on pipeline project

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

Brandon homeowner wins Florida-friendly Landscaping award

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

Tampa Bay Water has $181 million plan to increase drinking water supply

The water utility approved an expansion agreement to increase its facility’s capacity for processing water.

March 31, 2025

Seagrass acreage in Old Tampa Bay is lower than it's been in 30 years

Managers think we might need to reconsider the way we measure nutrient loading.

March 28, 2025

Seagrass growth in Tampa Bay is at its highest level since 2016

A new study shows while it's growing in one part of Tampa Bay, it's decreasing in another section.

March 26, 2025

Tampa Bay Water moves forward with $181M plant expansion despite tariff concerns

A major water infrastructure project in Tampa Bay is moving forward, with construction set to begin later this year.

March 19, 2025

Tampa Bay Water program conserves water, saves money

Tudor Cay Condominiums in Town N' Country is the latest addition to the Tampa Bay Water Wise conservation and rebate program.

March 7, 2025

5 takeaways from Spotlight Tampa Bay’s discussion on water quality

The bay is in facing a number of pollution threats, but not all hope is lost.

March 5, 2025

Water demand in Tampa Bay area projected to reach 332 million gallons daily by 2044

Two areas are seeing the fastest growth in Tampa Bay and several projects are underway to meet the growing demand for water.

February 27, 2025

How can we improve Tampa Bay’s water quality? We’re about to find out.

From its drinking supply to wildlife habitat to its economic future, the Tampa Bay region’s fate is tied to its water.

February 24, 2025

Tampa Bay Water eyes resiliency upgrades after hurricanes Helene and Milton

After the catastrophic arrival of hurricanes Helene and Milton, Tampa Bay Water is ready to pursue substantial improvements that could increase its resiliency in future storms.

February 24, 2025

Hillsborough approves pipeline project funding to get 65M gallons of water to southern part of county

Southern Hillsborough County is growing so fast that county commissioners are working with Tampa Bay Water to build 26 miles of pipe to bring clean water, and the county approved funding to move the project forward this week.

February 20, 2025

Hillsborough boosts investment in 26-mile pipeline project to meet growing water demand

The 60-inch pipeline will bring drinking water to a rapidly growing area within the county.

January 31, 2025

Important Public Meetings Coming For South County Pipeline Project

To meet the long-term water needs of this area, Tampa Bay Water is building a new South Hillsborough Pipeline that will carry up to 65 million gallons per day of additional drinking water to the fast-growing Southern Hillsborough County service area.

January 24, 2025

South Hillsborough pipeline project set to shake things up

At The Regent in Riverview last week, Mary Odum put on her community advocate hat and made it a point to let people know that a 26-mile pipeline from north Brandon to south of Balm Boyette Road would disrupt the quality of life for so many.

January 22, 2025

Tampa Bay Water approves next step in Pasco County project

This is one of seven projects being studied by Tampa Bay Water as part of the agency’s 2023 long-term update.

December 26, 2024

In 2024 Tampa Bay’s regional growth revealed opportunities and looming hurdles

Check out some of 2024’s top stories on growth, tourism and transportation from around Tampa Bay.

December 19, 2024

Rebate program offers money back on water efficient toilets

For people looking to save on repairs, a regional water conservation program can help. Tampa Bay Water’s Water Wise Program will give you $40 to $100 back when you replace your old toilet with a newer, water efficient one.

December 18, 2024

Tampa officials report nearly 2 billion gallons of water saved through restrictions

Tampa officials are reporting that the city saved nearly two billion gallons of water this year, thanks to once-a-week watering restrictions.

December 18, 2024

Tampa saves 2 billion gallons of water, achieving 2024 milestone

The City of Tampa saved 2 billion gallons of water over the past year. 

December 5, 2024

Rapid growth of Tampa Bay area prompts concerns about water supply

Concerned neighbors brought up worries over more development amid efforts to keep up with water supply.

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