Hillsborough County

Newsroom

A group of Hillsborough County Schools teachers entered the world of source water protection recently when they spent an evening at the Hillsborough County Wastewater Treatment facility on North Falkenburg Road. The participants enjoyed a tour and a detailed overview of the wastewater treatment process and how water is treated for reuse as reclaimed water. The educators were also given information about how sewage lift stations and pipelines contribute to keeping water safe for County residents.

The County has five wastewater treatment facilities that treat about 45 million gallons of wastewater daily.

Eric Van Sparrentak, a seventh-grade science teacher at Jennings Middle School in Seffner, said he enjoyed the tour and presentation.

"I like getting outside the classroom and seeing everything," Sparrentak said. "I'm impressed with the conservation efforts."

The workshop was part of a grant that the Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education program received from Tampa Bay Water. There were three professional development opportunities throughout the region that focused on source water protection. The County's Environmental Services Division hosted the educators.