Do you know what wastewater is? Wastewater is water that has been "used" in private and commercial properties and is disposed of via drains. This includes toilets, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and many other appliances/floor drains in residential, commercial or industrial properties.
The City of Tampa's Wastewater Department receives and treats wastewater collected from the Tampa area and surrounding suburbs. On an average day, more than 50 million gallons of raw sewage flow into the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP). This raw sewage is treated to an advanced level that meets or exceeds federal regulations, including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System standards (NPDES).
These regulations are state and federal regulatory guidelines to ensure the proper treatment of raw wastewater. Historically, the AWTP's discharge effluent (treated wastewater) levels have remained well below established requirements.
In addition to treating the City's wastewater, the Collections Division maintains all of the City's 1800 miles of gravity and force main sewer lines, and 30,000 manholes, and 667 air release valves. The Collection Division is also responsible for enforcing the Grease Management Ordinance, utility locating services and maintains the Department's vehicle fleet.
