Hillsborough County is putting a hefty $1.6 billion price tag on safeguarding its water future. As rapid growth pressures South County's water resources, the county's One Water Program has rolled up its sleeves to ensure a safe and sturdy water supply for its residents and businesses. Among its recent endeavors, the construction of a crucial pipeline phase that commenced and is aimed at bolstering the region's water infrastructure. The Hillsborough County website details this phase, featuring almost 2 miles of 48-inch reclaimed water main and 48-inch wastewater force main, is expected to wrap up by October 2026 with a budget of approximately $45 million.
A look at the breadth of areas impacted reveals a broad spectrum; Apollo Beach, Brandon, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Wimauma, Sun City, and Valrico are all part of the South-Central Service Area in question. The heart of the One Water Program is to deploy modern facilities to enhance the water pressure and supply. These moves echo the County's dedication to keeping pace with growth while simultaneously shielding the environment. One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, Balm Road Super Pump Station, and a series of new Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Pipelines serve as the three major pistons powering the engine of this massive initiative.
Notably, the mission of the One Water Program extends beyond simply distributing water; it aims to establish a harmonious water cycle according to the Hillsborough County announcement. By treating rainwater, wastewater, and reclaimed water with equal importance, One Water connects all water sources, ensuring that each drop, eventually, supplements the drinking water supply. This holistic strategy is designed to uphold public health, facilitate sustainable growth and secure natural water stocks for the progeny.
The program's broader ambitions include the One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility and a new Balm Road Super Pump Station, slated to handle up to 56 million gallons of wastewater per day. Moreover, new pipelines are set to redirect wastewater and reclaimed water to the One Water Campus and bolster the County's reclaimed system. These projects are earmarked as keystones for fortifying the region's water services.
