Orange County Awarded Additional Grant from the State for Sewer Conversions Ongoing Program Continues to Reduce Impacts on Nearby Springs

Ongoing Program Continues to Reduce Impacts on Nearby Springs

Crystal River, FL - Orange County has been selected to receive $7 million in state grant funding for its ongoing Septic 2 Sewer program in the Wekiwa Springs area.

Orange County Utilities representatives were on hand recently in Crystal River for a statewide announcement by Gov. Ron Desantis about 2026-2027 grant funding that will protect Florida's water quality and supply.

The award will be managed by Orange County Utilities, which has been committed to this program since 2019 and has a goal of converting nearly 2,000 homes from septic tanks to a central sewer system. This project was among the 23 announced under the Springs Restoration Grant Program.

Funds secured will assist with costs for the Phase 5B of Wekiwa Springs Septic 2 Sewer Program, which is currently slated to begin construction in 2027. Phase 5B includes the Bent Oak, Sweetaire of Wekiva, Bentley Woods, and Silver Rose neighborhoods, for a total of 367 properties.

"Orange County Utilities is grateful to the state for the partnership and its continued support of this worthwhile program," said Kerry Kates, deputy director, Orange County Utilities who attended the press conference.

Also extending thanks and in attendance, David Arms, Chief Engineer for the Orange County Utilities' effort, added, "Funds secured give our projects a much-needed boost to help keep costs low for homeowners. We're committed to the program that is a win-win for homeowners and the springs."

Last year, Orange County commemorated a 500-property connection milestone as it works toward its nearly 2,000 parcel goal in the Wekiwa Springs area.

Each conversion reduces the amount of nitrogen discharged into the environment, which helps protect water quality in the natural springs and supports healthier aquatic vegetation and wildlife.

For information about the Orange County Utilities program, visit: www.ocfl.net/Septic2Sewer.

A full list of the state's Water Quality and Supply Grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2026-27 can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.