In recent years the number of people living in the Alafia River watershed has increased dramatically. An increase in population causes a greater demand on water resources and a reduction in the amount of wildlife habitat. Efforts have been made to meet the increased demands for water and to restore and protect natural ecosystems within the watershed.
Reservoir
The C.W. “Bill” Young Regional Reservoir is located in the Alafia River watershed. It can store 15 billion gallons of water to provide drinking water for the region. It was co-funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Tampa Bay Water to reduce the region’s reliance on groundwater pumping. Surface water from the Alafia and Hillsborough rivers and the Tampa Bypass Canal is stored in the reservoir during wet times. During dry times, water stored in the reservoir is withdrawn, treated and blended with other water supplies for use.
Learn about restoration efforts in the watershed