Tampa – Florida – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Tampa’s Water Department manages an extensive municipal water system serving over 717,000 residents across Tampa and parts of Hillsborough County. Established in 1924, the system encompasses approximately 2,200 miles of water mains, the Hillsborough River Reservoir, and the award-winning David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility, delivering roughly 82 million gallons daily to the greater Tampa Bay area.
Tampa primarily draws its drinking water from the Hillsborough River, supplemented by regional groundwater and the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant during dry periods. The system maintains excellent water quality through watershed protection programs and multiple treatment barriers. Tampa’s water has consistently received recognition for quality and taste in regional competitions, though the city continues to address challenges related to seasonal water supply variations and infrastructure improvements. The city has implemented significant investments in water conservation, treatment technology upgrades, and customer education programs to ensure sustainable, high-quality water delivery.
Tampa Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 2.1 parts per billion (ppb), significantly below the EPA action level of 15 ppb and reflecting Tampa’s effective corrosion control program.
- Testing Scope: Tampa conducts over 80,000 water quality tests annually, with enhanced monitoring during seasonal changes when river water characteristics fluctuate.
- Compliance Status: Tampa’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
Diverse Water Sources
- Hillsborough River: Primary source (85% of annual supply) with 1.4 billion gallon reservoir capacity, protected by the 16,000-acre Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
- Tampa Bay Regional Supply: Supplemental source during dry periods through interconnected regional system.
- Desalination Plant: World’s largest seawater desalination facility in the western hemisphere provides drought resilience, capable of producing up to 25 million gallons daily during critical periods.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Multi-Barrier Approach: David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility employs coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, ozonation, biologically active carbon filtration, and chloramination.
- Ozone Treatment: Primary disinfection uses ozone technology, providing enhanced pathogen inactivation while reducing disinfection byproducts.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized pH adjustment and alkalinity management prevent pipe corrosion throughout the distribution system.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Pipeline Renewal: Annual replacement of approximately 18 miles of aging water mains, with priority given to pre-1960 cast iron and galvanized pipes.
- Smart Water Grid: Implementation of advanced metering infrastructure and pressure monitoring network to detect leaks and manage system efficiency.
- Climate Resilience: Ongoing facility hardening against tropical storms and sea level rise, with pumping stations equipped with backup power systems.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Tampa provides comprehensive customer programs including rebates for water-efficient fixtures, free irrigation evaluations, and payment assistance for qualified residents. The city’s water conservation initiatives have reduced per capita consumption by 30% since 2000 despite population growth. Tampa maintains transparent reporting with annual Consumer Confidence Reports and real-time water quality data available through the city’s smartphone app. The system’s operational flexibility, with multiple water sources and treatment barriers, ensures reliable service even during Florida’s challenging weather events and seasonal dry periods. Tampa’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in reclaimed water programs and watershed protection efforts that maintain source water quality.
Recommendations for Tampa Residents
Request Water Testing
Tampa Water Department offers free water quality testing for residents. Schedule testing by calling (813) 274-8121 or visiting tampa.gov/water. Testing is particularly recommended for homes built before 1986.
Conserve Water
Participate in Tampa’s water conservation programs including free irrigation evaluations, rain sensor installations, and rebates for high-efficiency fixtures. Visit tampa.gov/waterconservation or call (813) 274-8121.
Consider Home Filtration
While Tampa’s water meets all health standards, residents concerned about taste or with specific health sensitivities may benefit from NSF-certified filters. Look for Standard 53 certification for lead removal if needed.
Flush After Inactivity
If water has been sitting in pipes for more than 6 hours, run cold water for 30-60 seconds before using for drinking or cooking. This helps flush any metals that may have accumulated in standing water.
Report Water Issues
Contact the Tampa Water Department at (813) 274-8121 for quality concerns or pressure problems during business hours. For after-hours emergencies, call (813) 274-3101 to reach the 24/7 dispatch center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tampa’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Tampa’s tap water consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state health standards. The water undergoes rigorous treatment including ozonation and biologically active carbon filtration at the award-winning David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility.
Tampa’s water quality is particularly good regarding lead, with recent testing showing 90th percentile levels of only 2.1 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. The city’s effective corrosion control program and relatively newer infrastructure contribute to these low levels. The Tampa Water Department conducts over 80,000 tests annually to ensure water safety, with results published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports available at tampa.gov/water/quality.
Why does my water sometimes taste different?
Seasonal variations in Tampa’s water taste are normal and relate to several factors:
1. Source changes: During dry periods (typically April-June), Tampa may blend Hillsborough River water with water from regional wellfields or the desalination plant, causing subtle taste differences.
2. Temperature effects: Warmer water temperatures can intensify taste perceptions.
3. Algal cycles: Seasonal algae growth in the reservoir can affect taste, though treatment removes any health concerns.
These variations are aesthetic only and do not indicate any safety concerns. Chilling water or using a simple carbon filter can improve taste if desired. The Tampa Water Department monitors these changes closely and adjusts treatment accordingly.
What does Tampa do to protect its water supply?
Tampa employs multiple strategies to protect its water supply:
• Watershed protection: The 16,000-acre Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve surrounds much of the river and reservoir, limiting development and pollutant runoff
• Supply diversification: Integration with the Tampa Bay regional water system and the desalination plant provides reliability during droughts
• Advanced monitoring: Real-time sensors throughout the watershed and distribution system detect potential contamination
• Multiple treatment barriers: Full conventional treatment plus ozone and biologically active carbon filtration create redundant protection
• Conservation programs: Aggressive water efficiency initiatives preserve source water quantity and quality
These combined approaches ensure Tampa maintains reliable and high-quality drinking water even during challenging weather conditions.
Are there water restrictions in Tampa?
Tampa maintains year-round water conservation measures and may implement additional restrictions during drought conditions:
Year-Round Water Rules:
• Lawn watering limited to twice weekly (Wednesday/Saturday for addresses ending in odd numbers; Thursday/Sunday for addresses ending in even numbers)
• No irrigation between 8 AM and 6 PM
• Hand watering of plants allowed anytime with automatic shut-off nozzle
Drought Response:
During severe drought periods, the city may implement:
• Reduced irrigation days (once per week)
• Ban on certain water uses
• Increased enforcement of restrictions
Current water restrictions and conservation requirements are available at tampa.gov/water-restrictions or by calling (813) 274-8121.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chloramine (used after ozone treatment) reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in surface water, especially during warmer months
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of bladder cancer and reproductive effects with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Levels: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) average 32 ppb, well below the EPA maximum of 80 ppb; Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) average 18 ppb, below the EPA maximum of 60 ppb
Seasonal Algae
Source: Natural algae growth in the Hillsborough River Reservoir, particularly during warm summer months with increased sunlight
Effects: May cause earthy or musty taste and odor in water during bloom periods, though treatment processes remove health concerns
Current Status: Actively monitored with advanced treatment adjustments; ozone treatment particularly effective at eliminating taste and odor compounds
Please read – our information
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