Introduction
The Florida aquifer is an essential source of drinking water, supplying 90% of our residents with their daily water supply. It’s one of the most productive and vital aquifers in the world.
The Florida legislature has designated the Springs Priority Focus Areas to keep this water source safe and healthy. These areas contain high-priority springs that could develop nitrogen pollution due to factors like improperly maintained septic tanks. Too much nitrogen damages the quality of water and can be harmful to health and the environment.
Homeowners who live in priority focus areas may need to convert their septic tanks to newer, nitrogen-reducing systems to comply with state regulations.
Why is Nitrogen Bad for Drinking Water?
Nitrogen is everywhere. It is found in the air, soil, and water and plays an essential role in nature. But, when nitrogen levels become too high, the excess can cause much harm.
Nitrogen pollution increases algae growth in water bodies like rivers and springs. This growth not only makes the water cloudy and discolored but also increases the number of bacteria and can produce dangerous toxins.
The high nitrogen levels can also lead to elevated nitrate concentrations, another threat to your health.
The typical source of nitrogen pollution in Florida is poorly maintained septic systems. If a system fails or has not been recently inspected and serviced, it can release nitrogen into the water supply.
How ACE has partnered with Government Agencies
Citrus County
Citrus County requires a proactive approach to reducing nitrogen. To help homeowners with the required upgrades, the county has introduced a special grant to provide subsidized septic services. These services aim to reduce the amount of nitrogen released into our aquifers by improperly maintained septic systems.
The Citrus County Septic Upgrade Incentive Project offers grant funds to install nitrogen-reducing upgrades to an existing septic system. If you live in a priority focus area and your property qualifies, you could save up to $7,000 on the enhancements.
Check this map to see if your location is eligible. If it is, we recommend that you submit an application online. After all, when will you get another chance to subsidize significant improvements to your septic system?
ACE Septic & Waste is proud to be part of this vital effort to help keep our drinking water safe. Trust our experienced team to help convert your septic system if your application is approved. For more information, visit our website.
Hernando County
Hernando County is also taking steps to protect our aquifers and reduce nitrogen pollution. The Hernando County Septic System Upgrade Incentive Program grants up to $7,500 for households in priority focus areas that need to upgrade their septic systems.
Our experienced team is ready to help. ACE Septic & Waste will perform the work in compliance with licensing and grant restrictions.
To qualify for Hernando County’s program:
- Your home must be located in the Weeki Wachee Springs Priority Focus Area.
- It cannot be located in an area slated for sewer connection within five years.
- You must be the property owner.
- You must be up-to-date on property taxes.
Find out if your home is in the right area. Applications are sent by mail and can be downloaded here.
Current Status and Openings
Do you qualify for a Citrus County or Hernando County grant?
If so, don’t wait! Apply now and start the process before the funds run out. Waiting too long could mean you miss your chance and will eventually have to pay for the upgrades yourself. Leaving your old septic system unchanged isn’t an option if you live in a priority focus area.
Citrus County’s program has been extended through the rest of 2023 and may go into 2024. The Ace Septic & Waste team can do the work, but we can’t schedule your appointment or submit your application. Our openings are first-come-first-served until we’re all booked. The same applies to Hernando County’s program, which may also get extended through next year.
Conclusion
Nitrogen pollution is a significant issue in Florida and can have severe consequences on our aquifers, waterways, and the health of residents. Nitrogen-reducing septic systems provide relief. If your home is located in Citrus County or Hernando County, you may be eligible for grants of up to $7,000 and $7,500, respectively, to upgrade your septic system.
ACE Septic & Waste is here to help homeowners in these areas with the process. Apply for the grant program as soon as possible before funding runs out, and contact us once your application is approved.
Learn more by emailing our team at office@aceseptic.wpenginepowered.com. You can also follow us on Instagram at @aceseptic.
