Utilities - Septic to Sewer Conversion Projects

• 1. Why is Hernando County considering a septic to sewer project?

  This septic to sewer project is necessary to comply with the state mandated Basin Management Action Plan for Weeki Wachee Springs

  In 2016, Florida Legislature identified 30 Outstanding Florida Springs that require additional protections, and Weeki Wachee Springs is one of them (Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act). This is being done through Basin Management Action Plans and targets the reduction of nitrogen into Weeki Wachee springshed.

  Septic systems represent 30% of the total nitrogen loading to groundwater. The conversion of septic systems to sanitary sewer will help remove a portion of the nitrogen to the Weeki Wachee Springs.

• 2. What is the location of the first septic to sewer project?

  Location for Phase 1 has been revised to reflect current funding available for the project (see map below).

   

  

   

• 3. How were neighborhoods chosen for septic to sewer conversion?

  Hernando County performed a study in 2016 to determine which septic systems impact Weeki Wachee Springs. The study also prioritized the areas based on level of impact. The first district chosen is immediately adjacent to the spring and has the most immediate impact.

• 4. If I'm located in this area, am I required to connect?

  Yes. Per Hernando County Ordinance Chapter 28 Utilities, 28-238(2), where service is available, the owner of every lot or parcel of land within the district shall connect with the district's water and/or sewer within one year of notice of availability. *Referenced ordinance is linked to the left under Resources.    

• 5. What will the homeowners in this area be expected to pay?

  Est. $5,563.00.  Property owners within the project location would pay a small percentage of the cost, estimated at less than 10%. Total cost for this type of project is estimated to be $78,000 per property.  Based on these estimates, the property owners would expect to pay an estimated $5,563.00.

• 6. Will the cost to the property owners require a lump sum payment or can the cost be spread out over several years?

  You will have the option of lump sum payment or extended annual payments over 10 years.  The extended annual payments would also include interest and would show up on your tax bill as a non-ad valorem assessment. On August 23, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners approved MSBU Ordinance 2022-20 which is Municipal Service Benefit Unit created to pay for this project (District A Phase 1), and all parcels within District A Phase 1 will be assessed their portion of the cost to be paid back over a maximum of 10 years. *Referenced ordinance is linked to the left under Resources.

• 7. What is included in the cost of converting these properties from septic systems to sewer?

  The cost will include dismantling the septic system and pipe installation from the home to the central sewer system, sewer connection fees and most likely new roadway pavement.

• 8. You will be tearing up my lawn/landscaping to do the work, who is responsible for putting it back in order and to what extent will that be done?

  Some digging will be necessary to install new pipes and decommission the septic tank. Work will be done to minimize disturbing landscaping and driveways. The contractor who does the work for this project will be responsible for returning the affected areas to equal or better condition.

• 9. What process is in place for me to give permission for the contractors, etc. to come onto my property to do the work necessary?

  Prior to work being done on your property you will be required to sign a Temporary Construction Easement which gives your permission for workers to access your property to do the work mentioned above (as part of the project with no additional expense to you).  If a signed easement has not been completed, the homeowner will be responsible to perform the work necessary on their property to make the connection to the central sewer system (at the homeowner’s expense).

• 10. Will there be workshops and/or public meetings to go over details of the project?

  FAQs will be updated with the dates, times and locations of future workshops as they are scheduled.

• 11. Will the homeowners have any other costs after the project is completed?

  The only other costs to the homeowner will be their sewer bill. This will come on the same bill as their water bill. The sewer connection eliminates the cost of maintaining and replacing the septic system.

• 12. How much are sewer bills?

  Oct. 1, 2024, the base charge for FY2024 sewer will be $26.00 per month and user charges $6.01 per 1000 gallons of water used, with a maximum cap of 10,000 gals per month.  

• 13. What is the time frame for these conversions to begin?

  Septic to Sewer District A Phase 1 has already been approved by the State for grant funding.  Design has been completed, and construction is expected to be complete by end of calendar year 2026. 

  Future phases will likely start design within a year of receiving funding, and construction will begin 2 to 4 years after that.

• 14. What are the advantages of converting my septic system to the County’s sewer system?

  • Weeki Wachee Springs’ water quality is slowly deteriorating due to increased nutrient loading. This effort is important to help lower nutrient levels going the Weeki Wachee Spring to preserve the aquatic ecosystem.

     

  • One less thing to replace at your home. After the project is complete, Hernando County Utilities would handle the wastewater treatment. You would no longer have the responsibility of maintaining a septic system to ensure the tank and drainfield are in good working order or be responsible to pay for a new system if it failed.

  • No fear of having periods of heavy rain and storms that could overwhelm a poorly maintained, small, or old septic system.

     

  • You “reclaim” the space (usually the front yard) where the septic tank and drain field were located. You can add trees, shrubs, or other features. For the septic systems that are located in the backyard—you could plant trees, shrubs, gardens and/or open up additional space for home improvements/expansion.

     

  • You could add an addition to your home such as a second floor or convert a garage to a bedroom without worrying that the septic system is too small where that construction cannot be permitted.