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.
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. Septic tanks have been identified as the source of 29% of the nitrates in the springs. Retrofitting existing neighborhood septic systems to sewer is a way to aid the ailing springs by transmitting wastewater to an advanced treatment facility.