Proposed Nature-Based Solutions at Sulphur Springs Water Tower Park To Address Stormwater Runoff 

The University of South Florida (USF), in partnership with the City of Tampa and supported by the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program, is advancing innovative nature-based solutions along the Lower Hillsborough River. One of the study’s key focus areas is Sulphur Springs Water Tower Park. This location faces a persistent challenge: large volumes of untreated stormwater and runoff flow directly into the Hillsborough River, contributing to impaired water quality and degrading the health of the river ecosystem. 

To address this issue, the project team developed a practical, community-supported strategy that redirects stormwater away from the river. The proposed design would divert stormwater into the park’s open grassy field, allowing it to spread out, slow down, and receive natural treatment before reaching the river. This approach mimics natural hydrologic processes, improving water filtration while reducing pollutant loads. 

The design reflects months of community engagement. Residents emphasized the importance of cleaner water, improved river access, and solutions that fit within the broader vision for the neighborhood.  The full presentation can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/4_zU0Ro6oY4?si=-5pfX1CKx74-q4Bc