From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County’s ongoing Septic 2 Sewer program will receive $7 million through Florida’s Springs Restoration Grant Program. The funding will support Phase 5B, covering 367 properties in four neighborhoods, with construction currently scheduled to begin in 2027. The work advances the county’s goal of converting nearly 2,000 homes in the Wekiwa Springs area to reduce nitrogen pollution and protect water quality.
*****
Orange County has been selected to receive $7 million in state grant funding for its ongoing Septic 2 Sewer program in the Wekiwa Springs area.
Related: Florida’s stormwater cleanup promises deserve more than paper credits.
Orange County Utilities representatives recently attended a statewide announcement in Crystal River by Gov. Ron DeSantis about 2026-2027 grant funding to protect Florida’s water quality and supply.
Orange County Utilities will manage the award, which has been committed to this program since 2019 and aims to convert nearly 2,000 homes from septic tanks to a central sewer system. This project was among the 23 announced under the Springs Restoration Grant Program.
Funds secured will assist with costs for the Phase 5B of Wekiwa Springs Septic 2 Sewer Program, which is currently slated to begin construction in 2027. Phase 5B includes the Bent Oak, Sweetaire of Wekiva, Bentley Woods, and Silver Rose neighborhoods, for a total of 367 properties.
“Orange County Utilities is grateful to the state for the partnership and its continued support of this worthwhile program,” said Kerry Kates, deputy director, Orange County Utilities who attended the press conference.
Also extending thanks and in attendance, David Arms, Chief Engineer for the Orange County Utilities’ effort, added, “Funds secured give our projects a much-needed boost to help keep costs low for homeowners. We’re committed to the program that is a win-win for homeowners and the springs.”
Last year, Orange County commemorated a 500-property connection milestone as it works toward its nearly 2,000-parcel goal in the Wekiwa Springs area.
Each conversion reduces nitrogen discharged into the environment, helping protect water quality in the natural springs and supporting healthier aquatic vegetation and wildlife.
For information about the Orange County Utilities program, visit: www.ocfl.net/Septic2Sewer.
A full list of the state’s Water Quality and Supply Grant projects selected for Fiscal Year 2026-27 can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
Key Points:
- Orange County was selected to receive $7 million in state grant funding for its Wekiwa Springs Septic 2 Sewer program.
- Phase 5B includes 367 properties in Bent Oak, Sweetaire of Wekiva, Bentley Woods, and Silver Rose.
- Construction on this phase is currently slated to begin in 2027.
- The county marked 500 property connections last year as it works toward converting nearly 2,000 homes.
- Septic-to-sewer conversions reduce nitrogen discharged into the environment, helping protect the springs and aquatic habitats.
