Orange County Utilities COVID-19 Wastewater Sampling Program

Septic systems can provide safe, cost-effective wastewater treatment options where centralized sewer systems are not available. With over 85,000 septic tanks in Orange County, a workgroup was created to evaluate the environmental impact and appropriate use of conventional septic systems. The Septic Tank Workgroup is a collaboration between county staff and the Florida Department of Health with subgroups focused on:

  • New Development
    • Connections to Central Sewer
    • Septic Tank Standards and Permitting

  • Existing Systems
    • Septic to Sewer Connections
    • Septic Tank Upgrades

Background

The statewide approach to restore and protect Florida's water quality led to the 2016 Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, the adoption of the Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), and designated Wekiwa Priority Focus Area (PFA) within the Wekiwa and Rock Springs BMAP. The State of Florida also developed rules and regulations regarding septic systems in designated areas:

Wekiwa PFA

  • All new septic systems on lots ≤ 1 acre must be enhanced systems (minimum 65% nitrogen reduction).
  • Repairs to conventional systems will not be permitted based on an enforcement timeline that will be determined by the state.

Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) and Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP)

  • As of July 1, 2023, all new septic systems on lots ≤ 1 acre must be enhanced systems (minimum 65% nitrogen reduction).

Reasons to Address Septic Systems

graphic diagram of a drain field

Septic systems may impact water bodies by releasing excess nutrients that reduce the diversity of plants and animals and lead to fish kills. This may be the case in Orange County zones considered vulnerable to contamination, specifically the Wekiwa PFA and County Priority Vulnerability Areas (PVAs).

Septic systems may impact water bodies by releasing excess nutrients that reduce the diversity of plants and animals and lead to fish kills.

Identifying Vulnerable Areas

A groundwater vulnerability assessment completed in 2023:

  • Mapped areas where groundwater is vulnerable to contamination
  • Identified subdivisions with high densities of septic tanks
  • Derived capture zones for water bodies of interest
  • Evaluated septic system setbacks from water bodies

This report identified 65 Priority Vulnerability Areas (PVAs).

Orange County map

To check whether your address is in a PFA, PVA, BMAP, or PRP, use our Vulnerable Area Policies search tool. You can type in an address or select a location on the map. The tool will note any policies that could affect your address.

Click the map or button below to access the search tool.

kayaker floating down a river

SEPTIC TANK AND SEWER CONNECTION POLICIES

On November 19, 2024, the BCC approved changes to the septic tank and sewer connection policies. These policies are effective March 1, 2025:

  • Increased sewer connection requirements (Wekiwa PFA and Orange County PVAs) so that:
    • Wastewater flows up to 2 equivalent residential units (ERUs) must connect to fronting gravity or force main
    • Wastewater flows greater than 2 ERUs have an increased pipeline extension criteria from 100 feet to 600 feet
  • Enhanced septic systems (minimum 65% nitrogen reduction) are required where sewer is not available:
    • For new systems on lots ≤ 1 acre in Orange County PVAs
    • For new systems with less than 150-foot setback to any waterbody countywide

CONTACT US

For general questions about these policies, please email SepticTankWorkgroup@ocfl.net.

To learn about the Septic Upgrade Incentive Program, visit the Septic Pollution Prevention webpage. You can fill out the short interest form at the bottom of that page or email OCNeighborhoods@ocfl.net for more information.