Guest Editorial by Executive Director Brian J. Armstrong: Why a Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Program is Key to Protecting our Springs

News Release

Why a Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Program is Key to Protecting our Springs
Guest Editorial

The Springs Coast is one of the most vibrant and dynamic regions in Florida, providing both economic and ecological benefit to the communities that call it home. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is the leading scientific agency on springs in the region with the mission of improving and restoring these natural treasures.

Over the years, these treasures have been affected both by the increase in people moving to the Springs Coast and visiting the springs as well as through the historical cycles of rainfall and droughts. Nitrogen concentrations also have increased in most springs throughout the District. Excess nitrate concentrations can be harmful to aquatic life and result in algae growth, which can reduce water clarity.

What many residents and visitors who love our springs may not know, is that septic tanks contribute 15 to 42 percent of the current nitrogen pollution in the District's five first-magnitude springs, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP.) Other nitrogen sources that affect our springs include agricultural operations, lawn fertilization, storm water runoff and wastewater treatment facilities.

This is a critical time for the future of our springs. That's why the District is working closely with DEP and our local government partners to implement projects to conserve and restore the ecological balance of our spring systems. The time is now to begin removing septic systems in priority areas within the springsheds. The District's Governing Board has committed to assist in funding this effort to protect and restore the spring systems as well as reduce the financial burden on the local communities.

Septic-to-sewer conversions would require the installation of transmission lines and, in some cases, upgrades to or the creation of wastewater treatment facilities. Obviously, this won't happen overnight and will need to be addressed in stages, starting in priority areas. The District's Governing Board also will require strong protections in contractual funding language and/or local ordinances to ensure that the benefits for any District-funded projects are not offset by the approval of new conventional septic systems in the springsheds.

Our local and state partners are vital in our efforts to improve and protect our springs. We appreciate their urgency to address septic systems in the springsheds to improve our beautiful springs for future generations. You can find more information about springs on our website at WaterMatters.org/Springs.

Brian J. Armstrong, P.G.
Executive Director
Southwest Florida Water Management District