State awards Orange County millions for septic conversion and upgrades

$41 million going to sewer conversion projects in Wekiwa Springs and Pine Hills

Late last week, the state of Florida announced its recommendation for Orange County to be the recipient of a $41 million wastewater treatment grant. The funds are part of a statewide program established by the Clean Waterways Act, which will provide more than $114 million to improve water quality and protect Florida’s natural water resources.

“On behalf of the 14 neighborhoods I led in 2019 to participate in and advocate together for grant funding for septic-to-sewer, we are grateful for the expedited conversion funding. We had only expected to proceed with one neighborhood per year,” District 2 Commissioner, Christine Moore said. “With the $36 million, we are now able to build sewers in 14 neighborhoods, or 1,200 homes.”

The grant can be used to upgrade traditional septic systems to include nutrient removal technology, provide advanced wastewater treatment, or convert septic tanks to central sewers. In Orange County, the funds will predominately help convert septic tanks in Wekiwa Springs and Pine Hills, which are within the Springs Priority Focus Area.

“We welcome these monies to help Orange County preserve natural water resources like Wekiwa Springs,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “It is crucial to remove septic tanks to improve the health of the springs and keep them as pollution-free as possible.”