Nearly 400 Homes to be Converted from Septic to Sewer, Helping Preserve Weeki Wachee Springs

BROOKSVILLE - At the August 23, 2022, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, board members approved a grant award for $12,250,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to convert nearly 400 homes in Spring Hill from septic to sewer.

Officials say the conversion from septic to sewer will help to reduce the negative impacts of nitrogen pollution in the water. The high levels of nitrates impact the Weeki Wachee Springs. The excess levels of nitrates cause an imbalance which leads to a growth of algae in the water. As a result, this can negatively impact the environment and can cause concern for public health, create foul beaches, inhibit navigation through the water, and reduce the aesthetic value of the resources.

In 2018, a development of the basin management action plan (BMAP) was created. The trajectory of the BMAP was formed to meet the new requirements of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act. With this grant award, the Hernando County Utilities Department can begin taking strides to help the impact of the water quality and help reduce nitrates in these ecosystems.

For additional information please visit:

https://www.hernandocounty.us/departments/departments-n-z/utilities/septic-to-sewer-project