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Property Owners & Renters

Converting Your Septic System to County Wastewater

For Residential Dwellings
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 Public Utilities.

What do I need to do if I want to convert my septic system over to the County wastewater system?

Follow these steps when considering converting to our wastewater system:

  1. Consider all on-site and off-site costs, permitting, and regulatory requirements prior to connecting to our wastewater system
  2. Find a licensed plumber
    • Contact several licensed plumbers to obtain a cost estimate for all on-site activities
    • Check out our Contractor Licensing Reports page to help you find one
  3. Request a connection contract by calling (813) 272-5977 ext. 13611 or emailing Public Utilities when you are ready to connect
    • The following information is required:
      • 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
      • Completed permission to locate form (if connecting to LPSS)
  4. If the connection is to LPSS, arrange to hook up electricity to the new LPSS tank
  5. Pay all connection fees
  6. Obtain final inspections from all regulatory agencies (County Plumbing Inspector, DOH, and EPC)
  7. Begin wastewater consumption billing

How much does it cost?

  • 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: $1,800.00 ($1,440.00 if LPSS)
    • One-time account set-up fee: $25.00
    • Wastewater Deposit
      • Owner Deposit = $75.00
      • Renter Deposit = $145.00
      • We may waive deposit with approved credit check

What other things do I need to consider?

  • The installation of your LPSS could take up to 9-12 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