Summary
A severe water shortage in the Tampa Bay region of Florida is leading officials to ask 2.6 million people to reduce their water use by shortening showers and following other conservation measures. The drought has made rivers unusable for water supply, and the situation may worsen during the dry season from March to May.
Key Facts
- Tampa Bay region faces a Stage 3 Extreme Regional Water Supply Shortage.
- Residents are asked to cut water use, such as taking shorter showers and limiting lawn watering.
- Rivers, providing over 40% of drinking water, are unusable due to drought.
- The shortage affects Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties and several cities.
- Tap water is not expected to run out, but residents are encouraged to conserve.
- Restrictions will stay until at least July 1 and may get tighter if drought worsens.
- Florida is under a severe drought, with much of the state experiencing extreme conditions.
- Slight chance of above-average rain could relieve drought conditions temporarily.
