Renovated Regional Reservoir Gets Green Light To Resume Normal Operations

Tampa Bay Water’s 15.5-billion gallon regional reservoir is once again fully operational. On Nov. 5, 2014, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved the permit for Tampa Bay Water to fill the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir to capacity and use the stored water as needed.

“We’re pleased that the renovation was completed on schedule,” said Matt Jordan, general manager for Tampa Bay Water. “Having our water savings account back in service makes the region’s water supply more reliable and drought-resistant.”

Tampa Bay Water saves surface water in the reservoir during wet times and withdraws that water for treatment during dry times. The facility helps Tampa Bay Water take advantage of Florida’s rainfall and makes the regional water supply system more reliable.

The reservoir was taken offline for renovation in February 2013. The multi-step renovation of the reservoir interior included adding a drainage system to alleviate the build-up of water pressure and adding thicker, stronger soil cement. In July 2014, Tampa Bay Water was authorized to fill the facility to the halfway point while construction crews completed construction around the reservoir crest.

Now that the reservoir is fully operational, the agency will wait for enough rain to increase river flows so it can fill the facility to capacity.

Tampa Bay Water provides wholesale water to the public utility systems of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, as well as the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. For more information, visit www.tampabaywater.org.