County Main Courthouse
419 Pierce Street, 2nd Floor
Tampa, Florida 33602
Phone: (813) 276-2536

View Map

HYDRIA, 1994-1997
Concrete cistern, educational sign and benches
Artists: Charles Fager and Joan Marmarellis

The Art of Cistern Construction

In 1997, the Hillsborough County Public Works Department, Stormwater Section built a cistern to serve as the primary source of irrigation for a xeriscape demonstration at the Main Hillsborough County Courthouse in downtown Tampa. A project team of scientific professionals calculated significant technical data regarding numerous aspects of this important (storm) water conservation project. Additionally, in conjunction with the Public Works Department, the County's Public Art Committee invited the artists, Joan Marmarellis and architect, University of South Florida Professor of Art, Emeritus, Charles J. Fager to collaborate with the scientific team for a unique design opportunity.

Between 1994-1997 the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners commissioned visual artists and construction professionals to create and build the primary sculptural cistern, known as HYDRIA. As well, the artists designed and fabricated related educational and site components. A diverse team including scientists, hydraulic and structural engineers, architects, builders, a fine artist and judicial client produced the first collaborative public art sculpture project in Hillsborough County and the region that importantly functions as a cistern.

HYDRIA, the Greek for water jar,is projected to achieve significant water conservation, public art and educational goals, utilizing art as a solution to an important regional dilemma. The cistern collects approximately 15,000 gallons of rain (storm) water from the Courthouse roof in the columns and an underground tank. The water is reused in the irrigation system to water the Courthouse xeriscaping. HYDRIA replaces 2 million gallons of water each year that otherwise would have been obtained from the County's potable water supply system for irrigation purposes.

Public awareness is an integral aspect of the success of this project. Understanding the need for a cistern increases public enlightenment regarding critical water and conservation needs. This sculpture with the related site-specific educational components and media materials should interest both the private and corporate communities. The unusual and necessary facts and ideas for constructing other water conservation and irrigation cistern systems can be provided by the County’s Public Works Department, Stormwater Section.

For more information, please contact:

Hillsborough County Public Art Program
c/o Real Esate Department, Architecture Services
P.O. Box 1110
Tampa, Florida 33601-1110
Phone: (813)276-2536