By Carisa Biesecker

If your faucet is slowly trickling out water or the spray from your hose has a curve, then you may be happy to hear that a new water pipeline is being developed for the Brandon area.

Beginning this month, the four-mile pipeline, equaling 22,000 sq. ft., will begin construction starting at the northwest intersection of Columbus Dr. and Falkenburg Rd. From there the pipeline will run east along Columbus Dr., under I-75, to Williams Rd., Dovefield Pl., Sunny Hills Dr., Woodhaven Dr., Lakewood Dr., Alder Way, Alcoma Dr., Altoona Way, Amarylis Dr., Windhorst Rd. to Parsons Ave.

While the first 15,100 sq. ft. of the pipeline will have a circumference of 42 inches, the second part, running from Windhorst Rd. to Parsons Ave., measure 30 inches to link into the existing system.

"There are a number of benefits to the addition of this water pipeline such as water pressure being increased in the area, more available drinking water, better overall system reliability, restoration of some roads and replacement of a few, small sections of existing lines," states Michelle Van Dyke, community relations coordinator for Hillsborough County Water Resources. "But the real goal behind the pipeline is to build a new water treatment plant. The south-central service area is one of the fastest growing areas and only has one right now."

The pipeline is expected to take a year to construct with the inception of the water treatment plant to take place six months after completion of the pipeline in 2009.

The water treatment plant will be located on the northwest lot at the intersection of Columbus Dr. and Falkenburg Rd. near the Sheriff's Office.

Known as the South-Central Water Transmission Main, the project is expected to cost $23 million and will provide the first surface water treatment plant in the area. All areas of construction will be restored upon the completion of that specific area.

The county recently held a meeting to inform the public on the actual construction and what to expect.

"We understand that this is a construction project with a big line and there will be some inconvenience, but we are taking steps to minimize the inconvenience and are committed to being a good neighbor on this project. We are committed to doing it well and doing it right," adds Van Dyke.

Through detours and one-lane road closures, traffic will be maintained using flaggers and deputies. Residents who will be affected by the construction will receive a door hanger along with a knock on their door three days before the construction begins.