Septic-to-Sewer Program will replace septic systems to protect water quality in region's natural water systems
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2025) - Hillsborough County Water Resources will host a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, to discuss the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project in Gibsonton.
The meeting at Gardenville Recreation Center, 6219 Symmes Rd., Gibsonton, FL 33534, will offer an opportunity for residents to learn about the project and how the septic-to-sewer conversion benefits residents.
Residents who cannot attend the meeting can visit HCFL.gov/HCEngage between Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 to learn more about the project and offer feedback.
The septic-to-sewer program is a long-term plan that aims to replace all septic and low-pressure sewer systems within the County's urban service area, starting with conversions in areas of highest vulnerability and environmental impact. Many neighborhoods in Hillsborough County were built before the County had wastewater service available. As a result, homes and businesses in these areas use septic tanks or low-pressure sewer systems to collect wastewater. Several communities that are in areas with low ground elevation are vulnerable to storm surge and flooding, which can compromise these systems.
The project's main objective is to replace septic systems to protect water quality in Tampa Bay's natural water systems, including the Alafia River, Tampa Bay, and Bullfrog Creek. Some key aspects of the project include the construction of a vacuum sewer pump station, force main, collection system, and booster pump station. Additional work includes the removal of asbestos concrete water mains, the installation of new ductile iron water mains, and roadway restoration throughout the project area.
The Gibsonton service area and project boundaries are the Alafia River to the north, Bullfrog Creek to the south, Interstate 75 to the east, and Tampa Bay to the west. The septic-to-sewer conversion project is being designed and constructed in four phases, with each phase covering an area of Gibsonton. The first phase will start in early 2025 and be completed by mid-2027.
Most of the Gibsonton area has no centralized sewer and is served by septic systems. Many of these systems are old, failing, and do not meet current environmental standards. Rising groundwater and aging or failing septic systems can lead to higher nutrient levels in nearby water bodies that result in algae blooms. These blooms deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating a harmful environment that negatively impacts aquatic life as well as recreational and commercial activities.
Converting a septic system to a central sewer system has several benefits, including greater reliability, reduced maintenance needs, lower environmental impact, and increased property values. Since sewer lines can handle larger volumes of wastewater more efficiently, they are less prone to failure or leaks, and eliminate the potential for groundwater contamination from failing septic tanks.
Phase One is estimated to cost approximately $61 million and is funded through the Hillsborough County Water Resources Capital Improvement Program, the American Rescue Plan Act, a Florida Department of Environmental Protection wastewater grant, and British Petroleum Economic Settlement Funds. The remaining phases are still in design, and the construction schedule is still to be determined based on available funding.
An interactive GIS map is posted on the project webpage at GibsontonS2S.com that allows residents to follow the project's progress by pipeline type, location, and phase. Additionally, visitors may also look up addresses to confirm the proposed location of future sewer connections. The map will be regularly updated as design and construction progress.