Tampa Bay area’s water supply is in ’severe’ shortage

As the traditionally dry spring approaches, regional water managers are asking the state to impose the toughest watering restrictions in history.

The reservoir that helps supply water to the Tampa Bay area is about a month from being drained, a sign of how dire the problem has become, officials with Tampa Bay Water said Monday.

“We’re in a severe water shortage, and we need to take action,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, chairman of the utility’s board.

Rainfall has been below average since 2007, leaving rivers with less than their usual flows. The Hillsborough River, for instance, is 80 percent below normal. When the rivers drop to a certain point, Tampa Bay Water can’t take any water out to fill up its reservoir.

The reservoir