Hillsborough water system earns AAA rating
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County’s Water and Wastewater System credit rating has been upgraded from AA+ to AAA by S&P Global Ratings.
The AAA rating is the highest available and carries a stable outlook. The higher rating could allow the county to borrow money for water and wastewater projects at more favorable interest rates.
S&P cited the county’s investment in and expansion of its water and wastewater system, budgeting practices and growing customer base.
The upgrade comes as Hillsborough County prepares to sell up to $700 million in long-term bonds to fund construction of the One Water Campus in southern Hillsborough County. The financing would be the largest transaction undertaken by the county.
The county now has AAA ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
On the web: HCFL.gov/OneWaterCampus
Water disinfection change affects neighborhoods
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Some Hillsborough County water customers may notice changes in the taste and odor of their drinking water while the Tampa Water Department temporarily changes its disinfection process.
From Sept. 14 to Oct. 5, water distributed to East Lake, Fairview Mobile Home Park, Hershel Heights, Pebble Creek and Seaboard will be disinfected with chlorine instead of chloramine. The system is scheduled to return to chloramine by Oct. 6.
Users of dialysis machines and owners of aquarium fish are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure their pretreatment methods accommodate the change.
Customers with health concerns should contact their health care provider.
Call Hillsborough County Water Quality at 813-307-1000, ext. 43906 or 43783 for details.
Gunn Highway closure planned for culvert work
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A portion of Gunn Highway near the Pasco County line is expected to close for up to 28 days for a culvert replacement project.
The closure near 18830 Gunn Highway is expected to begin on or after Oct. 12. Crews will replace an aging 5-by-10-foot box culvert with two reinforced concrete pipes.
Drivers will be detoured to Lutz Lake Fern Road, Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road. The Veterans Expressway may also be used, but regular tolls will apply.
Hillsborough County will hold an open house at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at Walker Middle Magnet School, 8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa.
Residents may also provide feedback virtually through Sept. 21 on HCFL.gov/Engagement.
On the web: publicinput.com/gunnculvertrepair
Pet Resource Center upgrades online kennel
TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center has upgraded its online kennel to make it easier for residents to find pets available for adoption or fostering.
The new platform allows users to search and filter available dogs and cats, view additional photos and learn more about individual animals. Residents can also search for lost pets that have been brought to the shelter.
The online kennel also provides shelter statistics and reports about animals entering the Pet Resource Center and their outcomes.
Residents can meet available animals in person at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.
On the web: HCFL.gov/Pets
