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Here’s why Tampa residents may notice an extra charge on their water bill

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Published  September 20, 2023 11:28am EDT
Tampa
FOX 13 News

Tampa residents being asked to limit water use

Ariel Plasencia reports

TAMPA, Fla. - The city of Tampa announced Wednesday it must buy water for the second time this year to meet demand.

The first water purchase happened this spring when the reservoir was low, officials told FOX 13. The city has never had to buy water twice in one year.

But new numbers show Tampa residents are now using an average of four million gallons of water more per day than they were this time last year, according to the city.

This is the first time water was purchased due to customer demand. According to officials, demand was going over the permit limit of 82 million gallons per day.

"We’re having to buy water again from Tampa Bay Water, but this time, it’s more of a usage throughout the city," Julia Palaschak, an environmental specialist with the city of Tampa, said. "The reservoir is good, but we can only take so much out of the river each day."

File: Sprinklers

File: Sprinklers

Officials said a dry rainy season and a growing population are to blame.

RELATED: Tampa Water Department buying water due to lack of rain, growing population

"Water is an invaluable resource and we must all play an active role in conserving it to ensure Tampa can meet the needs of its growing population," Mayor Jane Castor said in a written statement.

As a result of the city having to buy water this spring, officials said residents might notice an extra charge on their bills now. The charge for the city’s second water purchase to meet demand should show up on bills next year.

The $680,929.87 that the city spent on water from Tampa Bay Water is the amount that was used to calculate the Tampa Bay Water Pass-Through Surcharge that appears on customer bills, according to officials. The water was purchased between April and June 2023. 

File: Sprinklers

File: Sprinklers

"There is a line on the bill that usually is zero – it’s TBW Pass-Through, which is Tampa Bay Water," Palaschak said. "We don’t like to have to pass that cost along. It should be about a dollar for most of our single-family residents. But of course, it is a calculation that’s going to be based on your usage."

READ: Economic benefits of Tampa Bay estuary, reminder to protect the environment

To help educate residents on conservation efforts, the city is hosting free, virtual workshops this fall.

  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Growing Your Water-Wise Gardens, Thursday, September 21, 11a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Welcome Home! Helping New Homeowners Save Water & Money, Thursday, October 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Detecting Indoor Water Leaks, Tuesday, November 14, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

For more information on the virtual workshops, click here.