Updated annual demand forecast predicts need for more water
Every year Tampa Bay Water updates its annual demand projections that look 20 to 30 years into the future. These models use a variety of data from different sources: population growth scenarios from the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, member government billing and property appraiser data, Moody’s analytics, Florida Department of Transportation data, the American Community Survey data and other sources.
These projections are used in annual budgeting, as they help manage rates and provide a basis for expected delivery and source allocation for the coming six years. The projections are based on a realistic range of future scenarios that are also used to support long-range planning and reliability analysis of the Tampa Bay Water system. Models are developed for three major sectors: single family homes, multi-family homes and non-residential water consumption. Demand is forecast out to 2050.
For Water Year 2023, Tampa Bay Water anticipates a regional demand of 274.1 million gallons per day (mgd) of water.
Growth in housing units within the Tampa Bay area are driving increased demand. Highest growth in demand is projected for south-central Hillsborough County, Pasco County and the City of Tampa.