// Risk Intelligence
| Risk Score | 8 / 10 High |
| Facility Type | 💧 Water Treatment Facility |
| Operator / Branch | Tampa Bay Water Regional Authority |
| Host County | Hillsborough County FL |
| Nearest City | Pepperell MA |
| Primary Risk Radius | 5 miles |
| Secondary Risk Radius | 20 miles |
// Strategic Significance
Tampa Bay Water is a regional water utility serving 2.5 million residents in the Tampa Bay area drawing from surface water groundwater and desalination. The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant is the largest desalination facility in the US. Red tide harmful algal blooms in Tampa Bay have created serious water quality challenges and hurricane storm surge can contaminate freshwater sources. The Oldsmar cyberattack attempt in 2021 was in the same region demonstrating water infrastructure vulnerability.
// Civilian Impact Assessment
Tampa Bay metro with 3.2 million residents. Tampa Bay has the highest storm surge risk of any major US city threatening water infrastructure. Red tide algal blooms have repeatedly contaminated Tampa Bay. The 2021 Oldsmar cyberattack attempt demonstrated regional water infrastructure vulnerability.
// Evacuation & Shelter Guidance
I-275, I-4, Tampa Bay, Hillsborough River. Hillsborough County Emergency Management coordinates hurricane storm surge red tide and cyberattack water protocols.