In 2001, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) and Tampa Bay Water purchased 5,515 acres in southeastern Hillsborough County to build the 15-billion-gallon C.W. “Bill” Young Regional Reservoir in order to collect and store drinking water.

• Can provide 25 percent of Tampa Bay’s water needs for six months
• Built on 1,100 acres
• Holds 15 billion gallons of water

The reservoir, owned and maintained by Tampa Bay Water, is built on 1,100 acres. The remaining property consists of a variety of habitats, including wetlands, pine and scrubby flatwoods, scrub, freshwater marshes and improved pasture. The District envisions this land as a recreation area ideal for activities such as hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, camping and picnicking. Plans are currently under way to make this facility available to the public.