Learn about the project highlights, community benefits, and see a map of the project limits
Project overview
The Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer (S2S) Conversion Project is part of a countywide program to deliver improved water and sewer service to the South County area and protect water quality in the Tampa Bay natural water systems by replacing septic systems. The Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer conversion project will help reduce nutrient and bacterial pollutant transfer from the Alafia River and Bullfrog Creek watersheds into Tampa Bay.
Septic systems work by slowly releasing wastewater through a drain field. However, aging or failing septic systems often do not fully treat waste. This untreated waste can then migrate to nearby bays, rivers, lakes, and drinking water wells. In extreme cases, failed drain systems can result in untreated waste in yards, creating a major health hazard. Removing these aging septic systems and converting to central sewer service is one way to proactively improve and protect the health of the community and our valuable waterways.
In addition to installing new wastewater pipelines throughout the community, the project will also include the construction of a new vacuum pump station at Gibsonton Elementary School and upgrades to area drinking water pipelines.
- A vacuum system is a closed system that requires no lift stations and manholes
- In a vacuum system, the house lateral uses traditional gravity flow to transport wastewater to the valve pit
- The wastewater is transported directly to the vacuum station, which consists of vacuum pumps, a vacuum reservoir tank, a wastewater collection tank, wastewater pumps, and electrical controls
- Wastewater is pumped from the collection tank to the wastewater treatment plant via the force main
To learn more about Hillsborough County’s Septic-to-Sewer Conversion program visit General S2S Project Info.
The Gibsonton Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project will include hundreds of single-family, multi-family, manufactured homes, and commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. (See the project area map below)
The project will be completed in multiple phases with the initial phase (Phase 1) broken into smaller sub-phases as follows:
- Phase 1A – Vacuum pump station at Gibsonton Elementary School
- Phase 1B – Force Main from south of Bullfrog Creek on East Bay Drive to Symmes Road, then east to Poinsettia Street and construction of the Poinsettia Inline Booster Pump Station
- Phase 1C – Water and vacuum mains in the Gibsonton area bordered by Vern Street on the west, I-75 on the east, Gibsonton Drive on the north, and Bullfrog Creek on the south
More specific information on the pipeline locations and the status of the project can be found on the Project Information page and GIS Interactive Map.
Project highlights
- Connecting Gibsonton area customers on septic systems to Hillsborough County’s wastewater collection and treatment system (sewer service)
- Installation of a new vacuum pump station at Gibsonton Elementary School
- Installing vacuum sewer system mains, vacuum sewer service laterals, sewage force mains and the removal and replacement of existing water mains in the Gibsonton area
- Funded through the Water Resources Capital Improvement Program, BP Economic Settlement Funds, American Rescue Plan, and a Florida Wastewater Protection Grant
Community benefits
- Eliminates failing septic systems
- Reduces maintenance and odors
- Provides more land for property improvements
- Increases property values
- Meets future water demands
- Promotes economic development
- Improves quality of life
- Protects the environment
