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:
- 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 page to help you find one
- 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)
- The following information is required:
- If the connection is to LPSS, arrange to hook up electricity to the new LPSS tank
- Pay all connection fees
- Obtain final inspections from all regulatory agencies (County Plumbing Inspector, DOH, and EPC)
- 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