Tampa Buys Water Early Due to Drought and Development

Water Shortage Declaration

• 💧 The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a phase one water shortage, indicating low water supplies entering the dry season.
• ⚠️ While this declaration doesn't impose new restrictions, it signals a need for increased water conservation.

Reasons for Early Water Purchase

• 🌧️ Tampa's primary water source, the Hillsborough River, is low due to an unusually dry rainy season, exacerbated by the absence of major hurricanes.
• 📈 Population growth and redevelopment are significant factors, with new larger homes and automatic irrigation systems increasing water demand.
• 🏡 Irrigation alone accounts for approximately half of the city's total water demands.

City of Tampa's Response

• 🚰 Due to drought conditions, the city of Tampa is purchasing water from Tampa Bay Water much earlier than usual, a move officials state is unprecedented in their tenure.
• 💰 This early purchase is necessary because current water sources are insufficient to meet demand.

Regional Water Demand and Conservation

• 📊 Tampa Bay Water, which supplies multiple counties, reports a 4% increase in demand compared to the same time last year.
• 🚿 Residents are urged to conserve water by obeying existing restrictions, checking for leaks (especially in toilets, which can save up to 200 gallons per day), taking shorter showers, and running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
• 💸 Tampa residents can expect a small additional charge on their monthly water bills, estimated at less than five dollars on average, to cover the cost of purchased water.