City Of Tampa Waterworks Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The City of Tampa Waterworks Dam, located on the Hillsborough River in Florida, serves as a crucial water supply source for the Tampa area.


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Summary

Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a length of 1100 feet, with a capacity to hold 11,000 acre-feet of water. The dam's primary purpose is to ensure a reliable water supply for the region, while also offering recreational opportunities for local residents.

With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, the City of Tampa Waterworks Dam is closely monitored and maintained to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is equipped with a controlled spillway and vertical lift outlet gates to manage water flow and prevent flooding. Despite its age, the dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in 2014, indicating that it continues to effectively serve its purpose of providing essential water resources to the community.

Owned and regulated by local government authorities, the City of Tampa Waterworks Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of climate variability and increasing water demands. As a key infrastructure asset in the region, the dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the water supply for Tampa residents while also serving as a recreational amenity for the community to enjoy.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

297

Hydraulic Height

37

Nid Storage

11000

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.