Septic Pollution Prevention

Preventing Nitrogen Pollution from Septic Tank Systems

Transport from a septic tank to groundwater and surface water. From house, to septic tank, to dranfield, to leach lines, transport to groundwater, to drinking water, surface water

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 minimum 65% nitrogen-reducing systems.
Lots less than or equal to one acre with existing conventional septic systems will need to connect to sewer or upgrade to enhanced minimum 65% nitrogen-reducing septic systems.

Grant funding may be available for those required to upgrade their system. Follow the Wekiwa and Rock Springs StoryMap to learn more.

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 information can be found on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s
House Bill 1379 Fact Sheet and info sheet.

WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR ORANGE COUNTY?

On November 19, 2024, the BCC approved changes to the septic tank and sewer connection policies within the Wekiwa Priority Focus Area (PFA) and Orange County Priority Vulnerability Areas (PVA) identified in the Groundwater Vulnerability Study.

These policies are effective March 1, 2025:

Increased sewer connection requirements (Wekiwa PFA and Orange County PVAs)
Enhanced septic systems (minimum 65% nitrogen reduction) are required where sewer is not available:
- For new systems on lots ≤ 1 acre in Orange County PVAs
- For new systems with less than 150-foot setback to any waterbody countywide

Septic Upgrade Incentive Rebates: Are You Eligible?

What is the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program?

In 2016, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. Orange County received a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) funded in association with that act. The purpose of the funding and act is to improve the water quality of Wekiwa and Rock Springs, which are designated as "Outstanding Florida Springs" and federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Excess levels of nitrogen, particularly nitrate from septic tanks, have been found to have a negative impact on these springs. To protect the springs, Orange County developed the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program (SUIP) to encourage homeowners to upgrade existing conventional septic systems to enhanced, minimum 65% nitrogen reducing systems. The SUIP provides payments of up to $10,000, either as a reimbursement to homeowners or direct payments to installers, for upgrading their septic system to enhanced, minimum 65% nitrogen reducing systems approved by the FDEP.

Can anyone in Orange County apply for this grant?

No, potential applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Your home must reside in the Priority Focus Area (PFA), which is a specific FDEP identified area in unincorporated Orange County in the Wekiwa and Rock Springs region. You can enter your address in the gray box on this website to see if you are located in the PFA.
Your home must be under the wastewater jurisdiction of Orange County Utilities (OCU).
Your home may not be in an area where OCU is installing sewer lines within the next five years.
Only residential homeowners are eligible for the program.
If you'd like to be pre-screened for the program and receive additional information, you can enter your address and contact information into the Septic Upgrade Incentive Rebate Interest Form at the bottom of this page.

My conventional septic system is in good working order; do I still need to change my system?

No, only if you are making a repair or modification. Upgrades to existing conventional septic systems on lots less than one acre will be required to obtain a repair or modification septic permit. Beginning March 1, 2025, when these permits are applied for, FDEP and/or Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) will require that the system be upgraded from a conventional system to an enhanced, minimum 65% nitrogen reducing system.

Can I apply for the grant if I am replacing my septic with a similar system?

No, you must replace a conventional system with an enhanced, minimum 65% nitrogen reduction system. It must be installed by a licensed and qualified installer.

Will the grant cover the entire cost of a new septic system?

The goal of the grant is to assist with the difference in cost between conventional and enhanced nitrogen reducing systems. In most cases, it will not cover the entire cost. You will need to negotiate the cost with your installer.

If I recently replaced my septic system, can I apply for a grant?

If you meet all the eligibility requirements and replaced your conventional system with an enhanced, minimum 65% nitrogen reduction system you may apply. The system must have been installed on or after November 1, 2020, and proper documentation must be submitted.

Find out if your property is located in the PFA

Street address only info Iamge e.g. 201 S Rosalind Ave

Contact us using the form below for additional questions or assistance – 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:
Name of homeowner:
Address of home being upgraded with a new septic system:
Street address:
City:
Zip code:
Email address:
Best phone number to contact homeowner:
When you click on the “Submit” button, your information will be sent to a person who will research the home’s location and contact you with your eligibility status.

Resources for septic tank owners