Hernando County Receives $12,250,000 Grant for Septic To Sewer

MEDIA RELEASE
January 3, 2023

Hernando County Receives $12,250,000 Grant for Septic To Sewer

(Brooksville, FL) – At the August 23, 2022, Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the BOCC approved a grant award for $12,250,000 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The grant funding will be used to convert nearly 400 homes in Spring Hill from septic to sewer. 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.

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