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 The
Hillsborough River watershed, encompassing the greater Tampa Bay area,
covers approximately 950 square miles of west-central Florida. The
Hillsborough River is the main waterway of the watershed. The
state of Florida has declared the river an Outstanding Florida Water
along those portions that flow through the upper reaches of the
watershed. Along with its 15 tributaries, the river connects Pasco,
Polk, and Hillsborough Counties as well as the communities of Tampa,
Plant City, and Temple Terrace.
Traveling
54 miles to Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough River is the key piece in the
vast mosaic of water bodies that comprise the Hillsborough River
watershed. The river originates in the Green Swamp to the north
and flows southward through agricultural, industrial, residential, and
commercial areas to Tampa Bay. The river recharges the Florida
aquifer and protects surrounding areas by storing floodwaters, among
many other necessary functions.
The
Hillsborough River is a life-giving body that supplies the residents of
Tampa with their drinking water. It is also used for agricultural
and industrial purposes and provides a home to numerous threatened and
endangered species. The river is an essential part of our community
that provides recreational opportunities and places for us to reflect
on the wonder and magic of nature.
To see a map of The Hillsborough River Watershed, click here.
Everyone lives in a watershed. It is where we live, work, and play.
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