Lack of rainfall, customer demand force Tampa Water Department to buy water

TAMPA – For the second time this year, the Tampa Water Department said it has to buy water from another agency to keep up with customer demand.

According to a press release, the water department will buy water from Tampa Bay Water starting on Sept. 11. The department said it would have to buy additional water for at least four months, though the end date for the purchase is not yet determined.

The department previously bought water from TBW from April 20 through June 9.

“Although some of our customers may notice taste and odor differences, the water remains safe to drink and use in their homes and businesses,” said John Ring, Water Production Manager for the Tampa Water Department.

The water department said the purchase was necessary because of the lack of rainfall and the limit the department is allowed to withdraw from the Hillsborough River Reservoir.