A vacuum sewage system includes a collection station, a variable speed vacuum pump, a variable speed drive, a control system, a sewage pump, a collection tank, a valve pit, a first conduit extending from the collection station to the valve pit, a second conduit extending from the valve pit and terminating in a closed end, a sensor located adjacent the closed end of the second conduit, and a valve located in the valve pit for selectively permitting sewage and waste water to flow from the valve pit toward the collection station upon activation of the valve. The control system, variable speed drive and sensor may be utilized to adjust the vacuum level and vacuum level range at the collection station so as to reduce the speed and operation time of the variable speed vacuum pump while maintaining the desired vacuum level in the vacuum sewage system.