Local Meeting to Discuss Improved Water Quality

News Report

The Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department has scheduled a public meeting on Dec. 15 to discuss a project that will improve water quality in the area of Hummingbird Lane and Orangewalk Drive, at Lithia-Pinecrest Road in Brandon, according to a press release from the utilities department.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Burns Middle School cafeteria, 1615 Brooker Rd., Brandon.

The $350,000 project will construct 2,500 feet of 6-inch water pipeline along Hummingbird, Orangewalk and Lithia-Pinecrest, connecting lines which now dead-end on the two neighborhood streets to an existing pipeline on the east side of Lithia-Pinecrest. Four new fire hydrants also will be installed. Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed within six months.

The work is part of the Countywide Potable Water Main/Distribution Lines Renewal and Replacement Project, a long-term program to improve water quality by connecting certain lines which now dead-end. Water in these lines can stagnate, causing poor odor and taste. Utility crews must regularly flush the dead-end lines, using large amounts of water and labor.

The renewal and replacement program is being funded through the Water Enterprise’s Capital Improvement Program.

The new pipeline sections also will provide an opportunity for those residents along Hummingbird and Orangewalk who are currently served by drinking water wells to connect to the county’s utility system if they choose.

County staff will be at the meeting Dec. 15 to talk about the project and to answer any questions residents may have.

For more information, call Cindy Hutchens, Public Utilities Department, at 813-272-5977, ext. 43587.