Current phase of the project, installing new pipes, is expected to be completed by October 2026
Hillsborough County's One Water Program is a landmark investment to ensure residents and businesses have safe, reliable water now and in the future. Construction recently started on an important phase of the effort: approximately 2 miles of 48-inch reclaimed water main and 48-inch wastewater force main. This part of the project is expected to finish by October 2026 and will cost about $45 million. The entire pipeline construction will be conducted within County-owned property or acquired easements.
The One Water Program focuses on drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water in the fast-growing South-Central Service Area, which includes Apollo Beach, Brandon, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Wimauma, Sun City, and Valrico.
The goal of the program is to improve South County's water pressure and supply by using modern, high-quality facilities. The entire program will cost $1.6 billion, which shows the County's strong commitment to keeping up with growth and protecting the environment.
There are three major components to the project:
One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility: A new, advanced wastewater treatment facility that is expected to meet the region's wastewater needs through 2050.
Balm Road Super Pump Station: A new pump station with the capacity to pump up to 56 million gallons of wastewater a day to the new wastewater treatment facility.
Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Pipelines: New pipelines to move wastewater and reclaimed water to the new One Water Campus and the County's new reclaimed system.
The One Water Program's mission is to connect all water sources. Rainwater, wastewater, and reclaimed water eventually make their way back into the drinking water system. Because of that, the County is working to protect every part of the water cycle, not just what comes out of the tap.
By treating the whole system as one connected cycle, the County is helping keep the water supply safe, dependable, and ready for the future. This approach protects public health, supports growth, and preserves water for the next generation.