Brevard County Is Implementing Septic and Sewer Projects Countywide to Help the Lagoon
Brevard County's Save Our Lagoon Program is implementing more than 300 projects countywide, from Mims to Micco including the mainland, Merritt Island, and the barrier island, to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
To reduce pollution to the lagoon, the Save Our Lagoon Program is converting septic systems to sewer service and providing financial assistance to help eligible homeowners cover the cost of septic upgrades , septic-to-sewer conversions , and sewer lateral repairs . Read more about these efforts below.
Septic Systems and the Lagoon
There are over 80,000 septic systems in Brevard County. More than half of these systems can pollute canals, tributaries, and groundwater that flow to the lagoon.
How do septic systems affect the lagoon?
Traditional septic systems remove only 20-40% of the nutrients that flow through them. When nutrients—including nitrogen and phosphorus—from septic systems enter canals, tributaries, or groundwater, they can flow to the lagoon and contribute to algae blooms. Algae can block sunlight from reaching seagrass, which harms seagrass growth. As algae dies and decomposes, carbon dioxide is produced, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the lagoon. Reduced oxygen in the water harms seagrass, shellfish, and can lead to fish kills.
Approximately 20% of the nutrient pollution in the Indian River Lagoon is from septic systems.
Septic-to-Sewer Planned Projects
The Save Our Lagoon Trust Fund is projected to collect $500 million for lagoon restoration projects over 10 years. Since converting the over 59,000 septic tanks affecting the lagoon to central sewer service would cost $3 to $5 billion, the Save Our Lagoon Program is taking a strategic approach to maximize the benefits of our county's tax dollars to the lagoon.
To maximize results, the Save Our Lagoon Program is prioritizing the removal of over 5,600 septic systems with high nutrient pollution impact on the lagoon. By connecting approximately 10% of the septic systems impacting the lagoon, the Save Our Lagoon Program is reducing the total nutrient pollution from septic systems by 30%.
Septic-to-sewer conversion projects are being conducted in communities throughout Brevard County, from Titusville to Micco, including Merritt Island and the barrier island.
To determine if a property is scheduled for septic-to-sewer conversion, contact the Save Our Lagoon Program at IRLProject@brevardfl.gov or (321) 633-2016 .
Sewer Connection Grants for Homeowners
The Save Our Lagoon Program is providing financial assistance of up to $18,000 to connect to sewer for properties with a septic system affecting the lagoon that are located near existing sewer infrastructure.
Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is prorated based on a property’s estimated nitrogen impact to the lagoon. Additional state funding will be available in 2022 to assist eligible property owners in removing their septic systems and connecting to sewer.
To determine if a property is eligible for financial assistance for sewer connection, click the button below and fill out the form, or contact the Save Our Lagoon Program at IRLProject@brevardfl.gov or (321) 633-2016 .
Septic Upgrade Grants for Homeowners
Some septic systems in Brevard County are not cost-effective to hook up to sewer due to distance from main lines or lack of capacity at nearby sewage treatment plants. These systems can be upgraded to an advanced septic system to increase their nutrient and pathogen removal.
The Save Our Lagoon Program offers financial assistance of up to $18,000 for eligible homeowners to upgrade their conventional septic system to an advanced septic system.
Where traditional septic systems remove only 20-40% of the nutrients that flow through them, advanced septic systems use nutrient-reducing technology to remove 65-95% of nitrogen. Reducing the amount of nitrogen entering canals, tributaries, and groundwater can help prevent algae growth in the lagoon.
“The septic upgrade grant program was great. The process was a pleasant experience and more importantly glad I was able to make a positive impact on the lagoon.” —Jennifer W., Malabar
“Our 37 year old septic system was working fine, but I knew it would fail eventually, so taking advantage of the program was a no-brainer. And helping improve the lagoon health was a powerful motivator as well. Very satisfied with the outcomes.” —Michael R., Malabar
“I’m glad I made the effort to replace my old septic system using the grant program, it was worth the time and energy, and the Indian River Lagoon should be a little cleaner now. It’s my contribution to clean up the IRL and promote cleaner waters for grasses, fish, and the struggling manatees. The program manager answered my many questions and offered helpful advice throughout the process. Plus the grant funding arrived within the quoted time period.” —Shane M., Titusville
The map below shows the estimated amount of nitrogen that septic systems contribute to the Indian River Lagoon, plus the amount of financial assistance available for eligible properties to upgrade to an advanced septic system. Click on any highlighted property to see its amount of funding eligibility.
Properties shaded in red may be eligible for more reimbursement than the amount shown. Please contact Save Our Lagoon Program staff to confirm eligibility amount.
To determine if a property is eligible for financial assistance with a septic upgrade, click the button below and fill out the form, or contact the Save Our Lagoon Program at IRLProject@brevardfl.gov or (321) 633-2016 .
Sewer Lateral Repair Grants for Homeowners
For homeowners on sewer, the Save Our Lagoon Program provides funding for eligible repairs of broken or leaky sewer laterals.
Household wastewater is transported to the sewer system through underground pipes, or laterals. The laterals underneath a property can degrade over time and fall under the property owner’s responsibility for maintenance. Broken or leaky sewer laterals can leach nutrients and pollution into groundwater and the lagoon.
To determine if a property is eligible for financial assistance with sewer lateral repair, contact the Save Our Lagoon Program at IRLProject@brevardfl.gov or (321) 633-2016 .
Learn More
Explore the following resources for more information about Brevard County's lagoon restoration efforts.
For more information, please contact the Save Our Lagoon Program at the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department, (321) 633-2016 or IRLProject@brevardfl.gov .