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Wekiwa Springs Septric to Sewer Program Map
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Florida's natural water resources, including the Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs, are vulnerable to human activity, which can generate excess phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients cause algae, which impairs the water quality, kills fish, and damages local ecosystems. Septic tanks have been identified as the source of 29% of nitrogen in the springs.

To improve the water quality of the springs and benefit the ecosystem, Orange County Utilities kicked off the Wekiwa Springs Septic to Sewer Program in summer 2021. The partnership between Orange County, the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is a multiyear, multiphase effort to convert almost 2,000 homes from septic tanks to an Orange County central sewer system.

Phases and Neighborhoods

Each construction phase is individually bid and awarded. Click a phase for the latest information. Please note that the construction schedule could change due to supply chain shortages, weather conditions, other utility coordination, grant funding requirements, and unforeseen factors.

Phase 1: Sweetwater West and Wekiwa Highlands

Komatsu excavator digging up road in neighborhood. Man and woman filling trash can with yard trimmings in front of house. Four men and one woman posing for picture with double green pipe/valve system on sidewalk in neighborhood.

Phase 1 includes the Sweetwater West and Wekiwa Highlands neighborhoods, which are made up of 211 properties.

Construction Status

This project is substantially complete. Wastewater from all 211 properties is now being transported to the Orange County Utilities Northwest Water Reclamation Facility for treatment.

Billing

A residential wastewater charge has been added to the Orange County Utilities water bill. At the current rates, this includes a monthly fixed charge of $19.33 plus a volume charge of $4.39 per 1,000 gallons of water used during the billing period.

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Phase 2: The Palms I and II

Four men and one woman standing in a dirt path created by an excavator. One main points at system of pipes a few yards ahead. Excavator digging up sidewalk to get to pipes. Worker observing trench dug by excavator.

Phase 2 includes The Palms I and II neighborhoods, which are made up of 154 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently under construction. Wastewater from all 154 properties is now flowing directly to the newly constructed pump station, which efficiently and securely transports the community's wastewater to the Orange County Utilities Northwest Water Reclamation Facility for treatment.

The contractor is currently addressing cleanup and restoration within the right-of-way and at individual homes. The original substantial completion date was May 2024; the new substantial completion date is late spring 2025.

Project Information

This project includes constructing one pump station, installing 8,800 feet of gravity main and 2,500 feet of force main, and connecting properties to sewer. After the properties are connected, their septic tanks will be abandoned in place.

Damages

If you have a broken irrigation pipe or sprinkler head; landscape/hardscape damage; or plumbing issues due to construction, please contact the Public Information Officer at Quest Marketing and Communications who will coordinate with the contractor to ensure timely repairs. Property owners do not need to arrange repairs by a separate irrigation or plumbing company. Such repairs cannot be reimbursed.

If you have a high water bill resulting from a break due to construction, please complete and submit a Leak Adjustment Request Form.

Billing

Once a home is connected, a residential wastewater charge will be added to the Orange County Utilities water bill. At the current rates, this includes a monthly fixed charge of $19.33 plus a volume charge of $4.39 per 1,000 gallons of water used during the billing period.

Contact Us

  • Quest Marketing and Communications
  • Ashley Moore, Public Information Officer
  • info@septic2sewer.com
  • 407-885-4866

Phase 3: The Palms III and IV

Phase 3 includes The Palms III and IV neighborhoods, which are made up of 214 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently under construction. All gravity sewer construction in the right-of-way has been completed. Approximately 53 homes near the existing pump station have been connected to the county sewer system, and their wastewater is now being transported to the Orange County Utilities Northwest Water Reclamation Facility for treatment. A second pump station is being constructed within Palms III and will be operational in early 2025. Afterward, the contactor will proceed with connecting the remaining homes to the sewer system.

The contractor will complete cleanup and restoration within the right-of-way and at individual homes after all the sewer connections have been completed. The original substantial completion date was April 2025; the new substantial completion date is approximately September 2025.

Project Information

This project includes constructing one pump station; installing 11,300 feet of gravity main,1,050 feet of force main, and 69 manholes under neighborhood streets; and connecting properties. Pipe will be installed in utility easements or county right-of-way. Septic tank abandonments and house lateral hookups (plumbing pipes) on private property will require homeowner license agreements and plumbing permits.

Damages

If you have a broken irrigation pipe or sprinkler head; landscape/hardscape damage; or plumbing issues due to construction, please contact the Public Information Officer at Quest Marketing and Communications who will coordinate with the contractor to ensure timely repairs. Property owners do not need to arrange repairs by a separate irrigation or plumbing company. Such repairs cannot be reimbursed.

If you have a high water bill resulting from a break due to construction, please complete and submit a Leak Adjustment Request Form.

Billing

Once a home is connected, a residential wastewater charge will be added to the Orange County Utilities water bill. At the current rates, this includes a monthly fixed charge of $19.33 plus a volume charge of $4.39 per 1,000 gallons of water used during the billing period.

Irrigation Meters

Orange County Utilities will install a separate irrigation meter for property owners who want one. If requested, an irrigation meter will be installed at no cost to the property owner. Water usage charges will be based on monthly meter readings, in addition to a $3 monthly meter fee. To request a meter, please complete and submit a Residential Potable Water Irrigation Meter Application.

Downloadable Documents

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Phase 4: Rolling Oaks, Carlton Woods, and Carlton Oaks

Phase 4 includes the Rolling Oaks, Carlton Woods, and Carlton Oaks neighborhoods, which are made up of 396 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently in design. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2025.

Project Information

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Phase 5: Bent Oak, Carol Woods, Wekiva Ridge, Sweetaire of Wekiva, Bentley Woods, and Silver Rose

Phase 5 includes the Bent Oak, Carol Woods, Wekiva Ridge, Sweetaire of Wekiva, Bentley Woods, and Silver Rose neighborhoods, which are made up of 423 properties. To expedite construction, Phase 5 has been split into two subphases. Phase 5A consists of Carol Woods and Wekiva Ridge, and Phase 5B consists of the four remaining neighborhoods.

Construction Status

This project is currently in design. Phase 5A will be advertised for contractors to submit bids in early 2025, and construction is anticipated to start by summer 2025. Phase 5B will follow a few months later with construction starting before the end of the year.

Project Information

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Phase 6: Majestic Oaks and Sweetwater Country Club Place

Phase 6 includes the Majestic Oaks and Sweetwater Country Club Place neighborhoods, which are made up of 83 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently in the design stage. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2025.

Project Information

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Phase 7A: Wekiwa Manor

Phase 7A includes the Wekiwa Manor neighborhood, which is made up of 263 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently in the design stage. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026.

Project Information

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Phase 7B: Lake Mendelin Estates

Phase 7B includes the Lake Mendelin Estates neighborhood, which is made up of 223 properties.

Construction Status

This project is currently in the design stage. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026.

Project Information

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Frequently Asked Questions

If my neighborhood approves the program, do I have to convert to the county sewer system?

Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessments apply to every home that is part of the Septic to Sewer Program regardless of a property owner’s vote or preference. This means that each property owner will pay the assessment that was previously approved by the Board of County Commissioners every year for 10 years unless they pay off the balance early.

Orange County ordinances and state regulations require that parcels connect to the sewer system within one year of when it becomes available.

To be connected to the sewer by the Orange County contractor at no additional charge, each property owner must provide a signed and notarized license agreement. If the project reaches substantial completion before a property owner returns a license agreement, the property owner will have to facilitate connection to the sewer system by hiring a contractor at their expense. New permits and connection fees would apply.

If a property owner does not connect to the sewer, they will still be responsible for paying the applicable monthly residential flat rate charge for wastewater service. This means that their monthly utility bill will include wastewater charges equal to the flat rate, currently $63.28 per month.

How much will I have to pay for my home to be converted from septic to sewer?

The amount property owners are required to contribute was specified in the ballot for your neighborhood. This amount is approximately 10% of the total project cost. The amount shown on the ballot is fixed and will not change, and includes connecting the residence to the new sewer line; abandoning the existing septic tank; restoring landscaping and site features; resurfacing the roadway; installing a new irrigation service connection with a meter; and any associated wastewater capital charges and connection fees.

Do I have to pay the cost all at once?

No. Once the area is designated as a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU), property owners are given the opportunity to pay their share of the project cost over a 10-year period. A fixed amount assessment would be included on the annual property tax bill and includes interest and an administration fee.

What happens during construction?

The construction work is extensive throughout the neighborhood and typically includes constructing a pump station, installing gravity and force mains (underground pipes that move raw wastewater to the new pump station), connecting individual residences to the new sewer pipes, abandoning existing septic tanks, restoring landscaping and site features, resurfacing roadways, and installing new irrigation service connections with a meter at each residence.

Work is done in sections. Initial restoration allowing traffic to resume is completed before work moves to the next section. Trenches are covered at the end of each workday.

For the safety of residents, visitors, and construction staff, roads are sometimes closed and detours put into place.

Does Orange County have resources for income limited seniors?

Yes. The Orange County Office on Aging provides a comprehensive Community Resources for Elders booklet (see page 34 for Housing Support Programs).

Contact Us

Each construction phase is individually bid and awarded, so contractor information varies. Please click on the appropriate phase above for contact information for your neighborhood.