On April 24, 2026, Hillsborough County, Florida, will officially break ground on the ambitious $1.2 billion One Water South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project in Lithia. This project aims to enhance resilience and sustainability for water customers across the region, catering to a growing population and addressing the critical water and wastewater needs of the South-Central Service Area, which includes communities like Apollo Beach, Brandon, Gibsonton, Riverview, Ruskin, Wimauma, Sun City, and Valrico.
Led by Water Resources, this initiative is a vital part of the One Water Program, which emphasizes a comprehensive approach to water management. The project will incorporate three main components: the One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Balm Road Super Lift Station, and new wastewater and reusable water pipelines. This advanced treatment facility is designed to meet the area’s needs at least up until 2050. Meanwhile, the Balm Road Super Lift Station will have the capacity to pump up to 56 million gallons of wastewater daily to the new facility, ensuring efficient processing and treatment.
Addressing Water Management Challenges
As we dive into the details of this significant project, it’s essential to recognize the broader context surrounding sustainable water management. Challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, pollution, and overuse of resources are influencing water supply and wastewater systems worldwide. These issues highlight the importance of innovative technologies and strategies to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for all.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is addressing similar challenges through its focus on “Sustainable Water Management” (NaWaM), which encourages the development of innovative technologies for efficient water use. This initiative is part of the broader framework of research for sustainable development, aiming to provide solutions to global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. The BMBF recognizes that managing water requires significant energy, from drinking water supply to wastewater treatment, and that adapting outdated systems is crucial for future resilience.
Looking Ahead
With the groundbreaking of the One Water South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project just around the corner, Hillsborough County is taking a proactive step toward ensuring a sustainable water future. As we continue to confront the challenges of water management, it’s essential to learn from global efforts like those in Germany, which promote integrated water resource management and support small and medium enterprises in developing efficient technologies.
In Hillsborough County, the One Water Program not only focuses on technological advancements but also embodies a commitment to meeting the basic needs for adequate water supply and safe wastewater disposal. The county’s forward-thinking approach serves as an example of how local initiatives can contribute to global sustainability goals.
For more information on the One Water South Project, visit Hillsborough County’s official news release.
To learn about sustainable water management efforts worldwide, check out the BMBF’s initiatives at BMBF’s water management page.