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Clean Water Coalition reports 64 prospective septic pump system installations, funding shortfall remains
Summary
Keith Druitt of the Clean Water Coalition told the Vero Beach council the pilot program has completed 35 septic effluent pump installations and currently has nearly 64 approved or bid installations, with just under $700,000 raised and an 11-month deadline on NEP grant funds.
Keith Druitt, vice president of the Clean Water Coalition and a Vero Beach resident, briefed the council on Nov. 4 on a multi-partner program to install septic-tank effluent pump systems for qualifying owner-occupied homes.
Druitt said the pilot began in January 2023 and that initial fundraising totaled $240,000 before two Natural Estuary Program (NEP) grants increased the program—s funds to just under $700,000. "We've completed 35 installations," Druitt said, and he reported an additional 19 installations approved and 10 out to bid, for "about 64 prospective done and prospective installations." He said the coalition believes the funding can support roughly 150 total installations but cautioned that the NEP grant is "use it or lose it," with about a year left to spend the award.
Druitt described program eligibility and delivery: owners must be homestead-occupied and meet an income threshold (initially set at three times the federal poverty level, later raised to four times); the coalition handles outreach, homeowner communication and project management; the Economic Opportunities Council (EOC) conducts income qualification; and the city provides a 0% finance option for equipment over 10 years. Druitt also noted pro bono assistance from the Clean Water Coalition and a local land trust that will support first-year equipment charges for a cohort of homes.
Council members asked for clarification on which properties qualify, the relationship between main-line connections and eligible homes, and how quickly funds must be spent. Druitt warned that some homes still lack main lines and that completing installations will be a "heavy lift." He urged creative local incentives and said staff and partners will continue outreach and the bid process.
The council thanked Druitt and coalition partners; no formal action was taken at this meeting.
Next steps: coalition and city staff will pursue remaining installations, post bid and cost breakdowns for transparency, and prioritize spending before the NEP grant deadline.
