The Brief

Hillsborough County Approves $1.2 Billion Wastewater Treatment Project

A groundbreaking ceremony in Lithia marks the start of a major infrastructure initiative to enhance wastewater treatment capacity and environmental sustainability in Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County has initiated one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date, breaking ground on the $1.2 billion One Water South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project in Lithia. This endeavor is a pivotal component of the county's One Water Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring long-term resiliency and sustainability for water and wastewater services. The project encompasses three major components: 1. **One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility**: A state-of-the-art treatment plant designed to meet the region's needs through at least 2050. 2. **Balm Road Super Lift Station**: A high-capacity pump station capable of moving up to 56 million gallons of wastewater per day to the new facility. 3. **Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Pipelines**: New pipelines constructed to deliver wastewater to the One Water Campus and connect to the county's expanded reclaimed water system. Collectively, these improvements aim to increase capacity, protect the environment, and prepare the county for continued growth. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on April 24, 2026, in Lithia, marked the official commencement of this significant project. The One Water South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project is a key milestone in the county's One Water Program, which addresses both immediate and long-term water and wastewater needs in the South-Central Service Area, including Apollo Beach, Brandon, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Wimauma, Sun City, and Valrico. This initiative reflects Hillsborough County's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure to support a growing population while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

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