Wastewater Collection & Maintenance

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Flush with Confidence

The Wastewater Collection Division of the Water Resources Department provides 24/7 maintenance and collection of wastewater in the City's wastewater collection system every day of the year. The system includes three water reclamation facilities, geographically located throughout the city, which treat wastewater. 

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Wastewater Maintenance & Resident Duties

St. Pete’s wastewater collection system is split into public and private entities. Public areas are maintained by the Wastewater Collection Division, while property owners are responsible for all normal maintenance of wastewater service lines on their property. Residents should familiarize themselves with their residential wastewater system and be comfortable with the required maintenance and upkeep. Get to Know Your Residential Wastewater System.

Maintenance falls into four major categories: regular maintenance, long-term care, potential problems, and emergency care. Learn more by reading the Private Plumbing and Wastewater Maintenance Tips.

Living With a Manhole or Easement

Routine and emergency maintenance work is performed throughout the city 24 hours a day to repair problems involving manholes or in utility easements. Wastewater Maintenance crews may need access to residential property to evaluate a wastewater problem in the area. Learn more by reviewing the Living With A Manhole or Easement document.

Flushing Foreign Objects (Don’t) 

City wastewater undergoes a treatment process used to create high-quality reclaimed water which is used for irrigation. The more contaminants that are put in the wastewater stream, the more contaminated the wastewater stream becomes. Residents can help the City operate and maintain the wastewater system by keeping foreign objects from being flushed or poured down the drain. Residents who flush or put foreign objects or liquids down the drain could compromise their system and those of their neighbors.

  • Residents should consider the ingredients in the items that they purchase and use. 
  • Do not dispose of unwanted prescription or non-prescription medications. Learn how to dispose of medicines and other products safely or participate in programs like National Prescription Take Back Day to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
  • Do not dispose of unwanted household chemicals, cosmetics, fragrances, or pesticides down the drain or in the toilet. 
  • Avoid disposing of flushable wipes in toilets; contrary to their name, flushable wipes do not completely break down and lead to sewer backups and overflows.

Residents with questions should email WaterDept@stpete.org or call 727-893-7261 and speak with the Industrial Pretreatment Office.