NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 5, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay Water begins refilling regional reservoir following drought
Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News
Tampa Bay Water has resumed pumping water into the regional reservoir after recent rainfall allowed river levels to recover. The utility aims to reach a 15-billion-gallon capacity by October to reduce reliance on groundwater sources.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The region's drinking water supply depends on balancing groundwater extraction with from rivers, which were depleted during recent drought conditions.
Key Facts
- Tampa Bay Water has begun refilling the regional reservoir after a five-day period of rain.
- The reservoir currently holds just over 2 billion gallons of water.
- The utility has set a goal to reach 15 billion gallons in the reservoir by October.
- Tampa is currently 3 inches behind in expected rainfall.
- Sarasota County is approximately 1 foot behind in expected rainfall.
- During the drought, river systems were unable to contribute water, forcing increased reliance on groundwater.
- Tampa Bay Water supplies water to Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, as well as the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg.
- The utility uses a combination of groundwater, a desalination plant, and surface water from the Hillsborough and Alafia river systems.
Who's Mentioned
locationPasco County“Service area”locationPinellas County“Service area”locationSarasota County“Area with rainfall deficit”PersonValerie Mills“FOX 13 Meteorologist”locationTampa“Service area”OrganizationTampa Bay Water“Regional water utility provider”PersonChuck Carden“General Manager of Tampa Bay Water”locationHillsborough County“Service area”locationSt. Petersburg“Service area”