Orange County Program Helps Residents Protect Springs and Save on Septic Repairs

Orange County Program Helps Residents Protect Springs and Save on Septic Repairs

When Tina Haynes realized her aging septic system was failing, she faced a frustrating and expensive cycle of temporary fixes.

"I was having to pump my tank every six to eight weeks, and each time it cost about $375," she affirmed. "I knew that wasn't a long-term solution."

Instead of continuing costly maintenance, the Orange County resident began exploring a more permanent fix through Orange County's Septic Upgrade Incentive Program (SUIP), an initiative designed to help homeowners replace older septic systems with modern, environmentally protective technology.

"The incentive program gave me hope that I could actually move forward with the project now instead of putting it off," she said. "I'm currently gathering contractor quotes, so I'm excited to get this done."

Orange County created the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program to help reduce nitrogen pollution that can harm local waterways.

"The program helps homeowners replace older conventional septic systems with enhanced systems that significantly reduce nitrogen pollution," said Emily Lawson, an engineer with Orange County's Environmental Protection Division.

The initiative was launched following the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act of 2016, which established restoration goals for Florida's impaired springs. In Orange County, Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs are designated Outstanding Florida Springs that have experienced elevated nitrate levels.

To help address the issue, the County received grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and now offers up to $10,000 per household for septic upgrades within areas closest to the springs.

Traditional septic systems remove bacteria and solids but are not designed to remove nitrogen - a nutrient that can contribute to environmental problems. Enhanced systems can reduce nitrogen by at least 65 percent before wastewater reaches groundwater.

"Nitrogen from conventional septic systems can travel through groundwater into lakes, rivers and springs," said Lawson. "When that happens, it can fuel algae blooms that are unsightly, foul smelling and potentially harmful to pets, wildlife and people."

Because this process happens underground, many homeowners do not realize the connection between septic systems and water quality.

"It can be difficult to picture, but wastewater from septic systems eventually moves through groundwater and into nearby water bodies," added Lawson. "Reducing nutrients at the source helps protect those ecosystems."

So far, Orange County has received 887 program inquiries, with 467 households qualifying and 87 projects already approved.

For Haynes, participating in the program is about more than repairing a failing system. While she admits she had not paid much attention to septic impacts on water quality in the past, she now sees the broader importance.

"I know it's the right thing to do," she said. "It feels good knowing I'm making a difference."

Orange County homeowners living in the Wekiwa Priority Focus Area may qualify for funding through the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program. Learn more about eligibility requirements and application details at Septic Upgrade Incentive Program.