Lake County advances septic-to-sewer program with $1.5m FDEP grant

Lake County advances septic-to-sewer program with $1.5m FDEP grantThe Florida county will use the unmatched state funding to install 60 distributed wastewater treatment units, furthering its initiative to replace traditional septic tanks near impaired watersheds.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners approved a $1.5 million grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The unmatched funding will finance the installation of 60 distributed wastewater treatment units at residential and commercial properties.

The county has already installed approximately 78 units under the program to improve nutrient removal near impaired waters.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners has approved a $1.5 million grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to expand its ongoing septic-to-sewer conversion program. The funding was approved unanimously as part of the board's consent agenda during its April 14, 2026, regular meeting. Under State Grant Agreement Number QG048, the county will receive the unanticipated revenue to support the abandonment of existing septic tanks and drain fields near impaired waters, including the Wekiva, Ocklawaha, Palatlakaha, and Harris watersheds. According to project documents, the $1.5 million grant does not require a local match. The funds will be used to install 60 distributed wastewater treatment units (DWTUs) at participating single-family residences and commercial buildings. The DWTUs will replace traditional septic systems to improve nutrient removal and will be owned by Lake County. The systems are controlled via SCADA and operated by licensed wastewater operators. Lake County initiated its Distributed Wastewater Treatment System program following a 2022 procurement process for water quality improvement projects. The county previously received a $1 million FDEP grant for the program, which was matched with local American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. To date, the county has installed approximately 78 units under the initiative. The newly approved $1.5 million grant will fund the program's next phase, with contractual services for the distributed sewer upgrades scheduled to run through December 31, 2029.