Learn about the project highlights, benefits, and location
Project overview
The Palm River Septic–to-Sewer (S2S) Conversion Project is part of a countywide program to protect water quality in the Tampa Bay Estuary natural water systems by connecting utility service areas to regional sewer services and replacing aging septic systems. The Palm River S2S conversion project will help reduce nutrient and bacterial pollutant transfer from the Palm River and Delaney Creek watersheds into McKay 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 migrate to nearby bays, rivers, lakes, and drinking water wells. In extreme cases, failed drain systems can result in waste flooding yards and homes, creating a major health hazard. Removing these aging septic systems and converting them to sewer service is one way to proactively improve and protect the health of our communities and valuable waterways.
In addition to installing new wastewater pipelines throughout the Palm River utility service area, the project will include constructing one or more vacuum pump stations to transfer waste to the regional wastewater treatment facility. (To learn more about how vacuum sewer systems work visit the Project Information page.) The Palm River S2S Conversion Project will include hundreds of single-family and multi-family homes and commercial and industrial properties. The project will be completed in multiple phases with the initial phase (Phase 1) including properties between the Palm River and Causeway Boulevard and west of 78th Street to the Railroad Grade. (See the project area map below).
Project highlights
- Will connect the Palm River Utility Service Area customers on septic systems to Hillsborough County’s wastewater collection and treatment system (sewer service)
- Installation of a new vacuum pump station (Location TBD)
- Installation and connection of new vacuum sewer system mains, vacuum sewer service laterals, and sewage force mains
Septic-to-Sewer conversion benefits
- Protects the environment from wastewater pollutants
- Eliminates failing septic systems
- Reduces sewer system maintenance and odors
- Opens property for improvements
- Increases property value
- Improves sewer system reliability
- Improves sewer system resiliency during extreme weather events and sea level rise
- Promotes economic development
- Improves the quality of life
Project cost and funding
- Phase 1 of the Palm River S2S Conversion Project is budgeted at $28 Million for engineering and construction
- Funding may include a mix of sources, including the Public Utilities Capital Improvement Program, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Grants, British Petroleum Gulf Consortium, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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