Erratic summer rain, a damaged reservoir and lingering drought have strained water supplies to the limit, with just a quarter of the eight-month dry season over and the hottest, most parched months to come.
Tampa Bay Water, the region's supplier, can't fill its 15 billion-gallon reservoir because of cracks. It could run dry by the end of March, two months before summer rains begin.
The Hillsborough and Alafia rivers, usually relied on to provide water at this time of year, are within a foot of record low levels.
If forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center hold true and drought conditions grow worse through spring, more water restrictions could be the only way to satisfy the region's thirst.
Neil Johnson
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