New requirements for new and existing septic systems are now in effect in portions of Alachua County following updates to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Basin Management Action Plans.
According to an Alachua County release sent Wednesday, the updated requirements are intended to improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution through the use of Enhanced Nutrient Reducing (ENR) septic systems.
Under the new rules, ENR septic systems are required for:
- New and existing septic systems on all lot sizes within the Silver Basin by 2046.
- New septic systems on all lot sizes within the Santa Fe Priority Focus Area.
- New septic systems on lots of 1 acre or less in the Orange Creek Basin and the Santa Fe Basin outside the Priority Focus Area.
Property owners can determine which basin their property is located in and identify the applicable septic system requirements by using an online mapping tool that allows users to click on individual parcels.
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department has received funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to provide rebates of up to $16,000 for eligible homeowners upgrading existing septic systems to ENR systems within the Silver and Santa Fe basins.
Residents interested in participating in the rebate program are encouraged to complete the online interest form. Applicants will receive instructions on the next steps, including working with the appropriate permitting agency and a registered septic contractor or certified plumber to determine the most suitable system for their property. Funding is limited, and county staff are actively seeking additional funding opportunities.
“Traditional septic systems do not treat nitrogen from our waste,” said Stacie Greco, Alachua County’s water resources program manager, in the release. “Nitrogen is the main pollutant harming our groundwater and springs and contributes to harmful algal outbreaks.”
The county encourages residents to learn more about the new septic system requirements, the rebate program and the permitting process by visiting the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department’s website.
For additional information, contact Greco at 352-264-6829 or sgreco@alachuacounty.gov.
