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?

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

Find out if your property is located in the PFA

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

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:
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