Hillsborough River River Levels

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

The Hillsborough River is a 54-mile long river in western Florida that flows from the Green Swamp to Hillsborough Bay in Tampa.


Summary

Total streamflow across the Hillsborough River was last observed at 323 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 641 acre-ft of water today; about 58% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 559 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2017-09-15 when daily discharge volume was observed at 16,270 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Hillsborough R At Morris Br Near Thonotosassa Fl reporting a streamflow rate of 134 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Hillsborough R Ab Crystal Spr Near Zephyrhills Fl with a gauge stage of 52.32 ft. This river is monitored from 5 different streamgauging stations along the Hillsborough River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 118 ft, the Hillsborough R Ab Crystal Spr Near Zephyrhills Fl.

River Details

Last Updated 2025-12-18
Discharge Volume 641 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 323.0 cfs
-7.7 cfs (-2.33%)
Percent of Normal 57.82%
Maximum 16,270.0 cfs
2017-09-15
Seasonal Avg 559 cfs
       
River Streamflow Levels
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Hillsborough R Ab Crystal Spr Near Zephyrhills Fl
USGS 02301990
19 cfs 52.32 ft 0
Hillsborough R Bl Crystal Spr Near Zephyrhills Fl
USGS 02302010
83 cfs 49.63 ft -0.48
Hillsborough River Near Zephyrhills Fl
USGS 02303000
87 cfs 1.14 ft -2.57
Hillsborough R At Morris Br Near Thonotosassa Fl
USGS 02303330
134 cfs 24.87 ft -3.6
Hillsborough River Near Tampa Fl
USGS 02304500
0 cfs 21.8 ft None
Seasonal Discharge Comparison
Maximum Streamflow Discharge
Streamflow Elevation Profile

The Hillsborough River is a river located in the state of Florida in the United States. It arises in the Green Swamp near the juncture of Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, and flows 60 miles (97 km) through Pasco and Hillsborough Counties to an outlet in the city of Tampa on Tampa Bay. It includes 4 nature trails extending for over seven miles, making it perfect for hikers. The name Hillsborough River first appeared on a British map in 1769. At the time, the Earl of Hillsborough was the British Secretary of State for the Colonies, and thus controlled the pensions of the surveyors working in the American colonies, which included East Florida.