What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is no more than rain water that flows off urban streets, parking lots, construction sites, and neighborhoods.  Stormwater is then channeled into the city's extensive system of drainage pipes and ditches with its final destination in the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay.  Stormwater drainage lines are located throughout the entire city and channel water away from roads and neighborhoods, preventing flooding.

There are two important aspects of Stormwater: Quantity and Quality. The Storm Water Department strives to maintain the City's system to provide adequate levels of flood protection and pollution prevention efforts.

Current Operations and Initiatives:

About our Department

Stormwater personnel are responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of Tampa’s Stormwater system. This system includes 613 miles of Stormwater lines, 259 miles of ditches and culverts, 105 retention ponds, and 21,000 miles of curbed roadway swept annually to prevent sediments and debris from entering the drainage system. more...

Stormwater Maintenance Zones by Address:   

Use the searchable database on the City of Tampa WaterAtlas to find out which stormwater maintenance zone you live in.  The Stormwater Department's maintenance has been divided into three regional zones, each with twelve work areas corresponding to months of the year.  You can now search by address to find out which zone you live in, and when you may expect to see work crews in your area.

Waterways Improvement Program

View Waterway Management Program presentation document (PDF, 3 MB)  which was presented to the Tampa City Council Workshop on October 25. 2007.