Information on how to convert to county wastewater
There are three types of wastewater lines:
- Gravity
- Low Pressure Sewer System (LPSS-mostly in the Ruskin area)
- Force main
The first step is to determine if your property is adjacent to any one of these lines. You can obtain this information by sending an e-mail request to Water Resources.
Process for converting
Follow these steps when considering converting to our wastewater system:
- Consider all on-site and off-site costs, permitting, and regulatory requirements prior to connecting to our wastewater system
- Find a licensed plumber
- Contact several licensed plumbers to obtain a cost estimate for all on-site activities
- Check out our Contractor Licensing Reports
- Request a connection contract by calling (813) 272-5977 ext. 13611 or emailing Water Resources when you are ready to connect. You will need the following information:
- Account number or service address if you have current or past service history with the water department Owner / Renter account information
- Plumbing permit #
- Daytime contact information
- Date you anticipate connecting / converting to our wastewater system
- If connecting to LPSS, you will also need to complete and return the appropriate form:
- Arrange to hook up electricity to the new LPSS tank - only applies If the connection is to LPSS
- Pay all connection fees
- Obtain final inspections from all regulatory agencies (County Plumbing Inspector, DOH, and EPC)
- Begin wastewater consumption billing
Cost involved
There are several cost and fees involved in a conversion:
- Connection from the utility’s wastewater clean out to the home
- Cost to abandon your septic system in accordance with Department of Health (DOH) and/or Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) requirements
- County permit
- The utility department requires a plumbing permit to initiate the account
- For additional information on permitting call (813) 272-5600
- Public Utilities fees for initiating your connection to the County’s wastewater system:
- Wastewater Capacity fee per dwelling unit: North: $2,951.00, South/Central: $3,651.00 and ($2,920.80 if LPSS)
- One-time account set-up fee: $25.00
- Wastewater deposit - we may waive deposit with approved credit check
Things to consider
- The installation of your LPSS could take up to 12 weeks to complete
- You are responsible for keeping your current septic system working until the new LPSS is installed and operating or you’ve connected to the Gravity line
- If you are attempting to connect a residential home to a Force Main, all connection and grinder package requirements will be provided once Utility staff reviews your request
- Visit the Don't Flush It! page to find out what items you should never flush to protect our pipes
- Find Cooking Oil Recycling Effort locations to keep used oil out of the drains