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.

Brevard County's Save Our Lagoon Program is converting and upgrading septic systems and repairing sewer laterals countywide through the Save Our Indian River Lagoon 1/2 Cent Sales Tax and additional state funding.


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.

The Sylvan Estates neighborhood in West Melbourne was converted from septic to sewer with assistance from the Save Our Lagoon Program. Septic systems far from the lagoon can leach excess nitrogen and bacteria into drainage canals which feed into the lagoon and contribute to algae blooms.

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%.

The Save Our Lagoon Program has strategically prioritized approximately 5,600 septic systems for removal to result in a 30% reduction in total nutrient pollution to the lagoon from septic systems.

Septic-to-sewer conversion projects are being conducted in communities throughout Brevard County, from Titusville to Micco, including Merritt Island and the barrier island.

Completed projects are shown in red. Projects currently in progress are in blue. Funded project areas not yet underway are outlined in yellow.

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.

Map is currently under construction. Please contact your utility to determine if sewer service is available for your property.

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.

Watch this video for an overview of the Septic Upgrade Grant Program.

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 .

Brevard County's Save Our Lagoon Program is converting and upgrading septic systems and repairing sewer laterals countywide through the Save Our Indian River Lagoon 1/2 Cent Sales Tax and additional state funding.

The Save Our Lagoon Program has strategically prioritized approximately 5,600 septic systems for removal to result in a 30% reduction in total nutrient pollution to the lagoon from septic systems.