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Headline 1: According to new state legislation, septic systems that pose the greatest threat to water quality must either connect to sewer or upgrade to an enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic system.

Headline 2: Do you need septic repairs? Orange County is offering a Septic Upgrade Incentive Program that can reimburse part of your cost - and help protect Wekiwa and Rock Springs.

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Preventing Nitrogen Pollution from Septic Tank Systems

While conventional septic systems, also known as Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), are good at removing many pollutants from wastewater, they are not designed to remove nitrogen.

Nitrogen-laden wastewater from conventional septic systems can travel into our local water bodies. As a result, these water bodies may have increased concentrations of nitrogen. Algae blooms fueled by excess nitrogen are unsightly, foul smelling, and may produce toxins that are harmful to pets, wildlife and humans.


WEKIWA AND ROCK SPRINGS BASIN MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

The existing Wekiwa and Rock Springs Basin Management Action Plan (Wekiwa BMAP) requires that, within the Priority Focus Area (PFA):

  • New septic systems must be enhanced nitrogen-reducing systems.
  • Lots less than one acre with existing conventional septic systems will need to connect to sewer or upgrade to enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems. The state will begin enforcing this at a time to be determined.

Grant funding may be available for those required to upgrade their system.

HB 1379: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

House Bill 1379 was signed into law in 2023 and passed more stringent requirements for septic systems and wastewater treatment within Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP), and Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) areas. New requirements include the following:

  • For new developments within a BMAP, PRP, or RAP area, lots of one acre or less will be required to connect to central sewer, if available, or use an enhanced nutrient-reducing septic system.
  • For existing systems that are fully functional and have no current permits pending, there is no requirement to upgrade or connect to sewer.
  • Except for rural areas of opportunity, local governments are required to assess the feasibility of providing sanitary sewer for developments of more than 50 lots, on a 10-year planning horizon.

More info can be found on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s House Bill 1379 Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions.

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR ORANGE COUNTY?

The existing Wekiwa and Rock Springs Basin Management Action Plan (Wekiwa BMAP) requires that, within the Priority Focus Area (PFA), lots less than one acre with conventional septic systems connect to sewer or upgrade to enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems. This requirement is effective for new development, and upgrades of existing systems that are not planned for sewer will be enforced at a future date to be determined by the State.

Orange County is proposing within the Orange County Priority Vulnerability Areas (PVAs) identified in the Groundwater Vulnerability Study:

  • Increase sewer connection requirements
  • Require that new septic in these areas be enhanced minimum 65% nitrogen reduction systems
  • Any variances for 150’ setback from water bodies require enhanced minimum 65% nitrogen reducing systems

Septic Upgrade Incentive Rebates: Are You Eligible?

  1. Do you own a conventional septic system?
  2. Do you live in the Wekiwa PFA?

Street address only info Iamge e.g. 201 S Rosalind Ave
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If you answered yes to both questions, you might be eligible for a rebate of up to $10,000 toward the cost of upgrading to an enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic system.

Would you like assistance answering the above questions? Contact us using the form below – we’re happy to help.

Septic Upgrade Incentive Rebate Interest Form

For more information about septic tank upgrade rebate eligibility and the application process, please complete and submit the following information:

  • To find out if you are eligible for the Septic Tank Upgrade rebate, please complete and submit the following information:

  • Address of home being upgraded with a new septic system: