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County details septic‑to‑sewer conversions and springs protection investments
Summary
Leon County staff reported progress on multiple septic‑to‑sewer and septic upgrade programs designed to protect primary springs and water quality, citing more than $42 million in investments and dozens of neighborhoods served to date, with additional phases and grant applications planned.
County environmental and utilities staff updated the commission on ongoing sewer conversion and septic upgrade work intended to protect groundwater and springs, emphasizing completed projects, funding sources and next steps.
Brent (Public Works / Office of Resource Stewardship) summarized the county’s bold goal to upgrade or eliminate 500 septic tanks in the primary springs protection zone by 2026 and described completed projects in neighborhoods including Woodside Heights and Bel Air. Staff said the county and partners have invested more than $42 million in water‑quality projects over the past five years, including grants, local sales‑tax funds and matching dollars. Completed Woodside Heights and Bel Air projects covered sewer to 319 properties at a construction cost of approximately $9.6 million, according to staff.
The county noted larger upcoming work: Northeast Lake Munson and Woodville sewer phases are on the schedule, with a combined investment staff cited as over $32.5 million to serve about 389 properties. Remaining phases of Woodville would require an additional approximately $82.8 million to construct and allow another ~864 properties to connect. Separately, the county runs advanced septic upgrade incentive and pilot programs; staff reported more than 400 advanced treatment upgrades are planned leveraging roughly $2 million in grant funds.
Why it matters: septic systems in primary springs recharge areas can leach nutrients and bacteria into groundwater. County staff framed the conversions and septic upgrades as investments in drinking‑water protection and in improving lake and river water quality for the public.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to pursue state grants and to bring future project phases and funding requests to the board as designs and grant awards are obtained.
