Our Water Plant

The region is under a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order. In addition to the City of Tampa’s current mandatory once-a-week watering restrictions (which are enforced year-round), effective February 8, 2026:

No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your designated watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day.

For more information on additional restrictions, please visit tampa.gov/WaterRestrictions.

In 1924, construction began on a state-of-the-art water treatment plan on the Hillsborough River near 30th Street

The original Water Works filter house, completed in 1925, housed the core of the facility’s treatment process.

A two-story building, constructed in 1925 as a chemical house, adjacent to the filter house (pictured left) is in use today as an administrative area. The filter house, expanding several times since originally built, still is in use.

Tampa’s primary drinking water source is the 1.2 billion gallon Hillsborough River Reservoir, located behind the Hillsborough River Dam in Sulphur Springs.

The water treatment facility’s original high speed pumps once were driven by steam turbines. The original pumps still are in use by the have been modified to be driven by electric motors.

The David L. Tippin Water Treatment facility is one of the largest surface water treatment plants in Florida. The plant houses Tampa’s state-certified Water Quality laboratory.

Tampa’s water treatment plant is designated an American Waterworks Landmark. The treatment process continues to change and improve as technology advances.

Tampa's original water production plant was built in 1924. Today, those original structures remain the core of a modern, high-tech water production facility that ensures a safe, reliable drinking water supply for Tampa residents, visitors and businesses. In 2018, Tampa's Water Department was recognized by the Partnership for Safe Water with the "20-Year Directors Award," which recognizes utilities who practice ongoing treatment optimizations and stringent water quality monitoring. Tampa is the only utility in Florida that has received that recognition.

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Updated: 10/01/2023

Contact Information
Utilities Call Center
(813) 274-8811

You can also use this number to report an urgent concern such as a water outage, water quality issue, or hydrant leak.

Hours of Operation:
8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Emergency after hours calls are answered 24/7

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