The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced a Septic Upgrade Incentive Program to improve water quality and protect Florida’s springs. The program encourages homeowners to enhance their conventional septic systems by adding advanced features to reduce nitrogen pollution.
This Septic Upgrade Incentive Program can offset the cost of an upgrade by providing certified installers and licensed plumbers up to $10,000 after the installation of enhanced nitrogen-reducing features to existing septic systems located in targeted areas within eligible counties – generally those with natural springs. The program can reduce a homeowner’s costs for the septic system upgrades.
Homeowners who qualify for septic-tank money live in DEP “Priority Focus Areas.” According to DEP, those include homes in Citrus, Hernando, Leon, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Seminole, Volusia and Wakulla counties. DEP has a Priority Focus Area map posted on its website.
“We encourage homeowners in these Priority Focus Areas to take advantage of this new Septic Upgrade Incentive Program,” says Trina Vielhauer, director of DEP’s Division of Water Restoration Assistance. “Every homeowner who does their part to upgrade a septic system brings us one step closer to our goal of significantly lowering nutrients in Florida’s springs.”
Eligible enhancements include:
- Retrofitting septic tanks with advanced pre-treatment
- Recirculating aerobic treatment units
- Replacing traditional septic tanks with upgraded nutrient-reducing technology
The incentives will be paid directly to septic system installers and licensed plumbers retained by homeowners to update existing systems, and they must be pre-approved before commencing work.
Source: Florida Realtors News.