Garney Breaks Ground On Hillsborough County's Largest Capital Improvement Project

The One Water – South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project will support long-term regional needs

Garney has broken ground on the new One Water – South Wastewater Conveyance and Treatment Project (One Water Project) in Tampa, the largest capital improvement project in Hillsborough County’s history. The massive project supports the County’s efforts to expand its water reuse and meet future population growth.

Garney is delivering the One Water Project through a progressive design-build approach with engineer Hazen & Sawyer along with subconsultants Ardurra, Stantec, and Wade Trim. The progressive design-build team is delivering all three major components of the wastewater project: the One Water Campus Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWWTF), the Balm Road Super Lift Station, and over 20 miles of wastewater and reclaimed water pipelines. The treatment facility will be built for 24 million gallons-per-day (MGD), with design considerations to expand to 30 MGD in the future with minimal disruptions to operations.

“What makes this project stand out is that it goes beyond simply adding treatment capacity,” said Eric Wagner, director of southeast plant operations at Garney. “At a time when growing communities are looking for more sustainable ways to plan ahead, Hillsborough County is setting a strong example through its long-term investment in infrastructure.”

The other two components include the 54 MGD Balm Road Super Lift Station with a 5 MG emergency storage tank, along with 10 miles of wastewater and 13 miles of reclaimed water pipelines from 42 to 48” ductile iron pipe. Once complete, the system will convey wastewater to the new treatment facility and send reclaimed water back into the County’s public reuse system.

“This project shows what is possible when an owner and delivery partners align early around long-term goals,” Wagner said. “Through progressive design-build, we have been able to work closely with Hillsborough County and the Hazen & Sawyer engineering team to plan a complex project in a way that improves coordination, supports smart decision-making, and keeps the focus on long-term value for the community."

Pipeline construction began in the fall of 2025, and the advanced wastewater treatment plant and lift station groundbreaking marks the next major phase of work. The facility is expected to begin treating initial flows in September 2028, with completion of the full project anticipated in 2030.

About Garney
Garney is the national leader in water and wastewater infrastructure. Since 1961, Garney has been committed to delivering clean, safe drinking water and protecting public health through essential water and wastewater systems. Garney specializes in self-performing construction services for water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, pumping stations, water storage tanks, and industrial/heavy civil projects through conventional and collaborative delivery methods for municipal, federal, and private sector clients. As a 100% employee-owned company with 19 offices and more than 3,000 employees nationwide, Garney is committed to advancing the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. At the core of Garney’s work is its guiding purpose: Building Sustainable Futures with the World’s Most Precious Resources – Water & People.