Did you know we have over 62,000 conventional septic tanks in the Indian River Lagoon watershed and they contribute pollution equivalent to a 3.7-million-gallon sewage spill every day? That is over 1.3 billion gallons of sewage pollution invisibly entering the lagoon every year. 

That is why the Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program is so excited to announce it has completed 1,017 septic system upgrades through the Homeowner Septic Upgrade Grants program. This will keep nearly 20,000 pounds of septic sewage pollution out of the lagoon every year. The grant program offers up to $20,000 to assist homeowners with replacing a conventional septic system with an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), also known as an advanced septic system.

A conventional system traps all the fats and solids in the tank but relies on soil microbes to break down the liquid waste in the drainfield. Unfortunately, with our sandy Florida soils and often high water table, this means that only 10-40% of the algae-feeding nitrogen pollution is removed. The rest mixes with groundwater that flows to the lagoon. An ATU system adds aeration and recirculation through multiple chambers in the tank, removing some of the nitrogen pollution before it even makes it to the drainfield. ATUs are required to remove at least 65% of nitrogen pollution, and some perform even better, removing up to 85%. This makes it an important solution to reduce septic pollution in areas where sewer is not available.

In 2023, the State of Florida passed House Bill 1379, which requires all conventional septic systems in BMAP areas, like the Indian River Lagoon, to either connect to sewer or upgrade to an advanced system or similar performing technology by 2030. SOIRL is trying to help ease the financial burden of this rule on residents through the Homeowner Grant Program. It expanded the program this year to provide a minimum of $6,000 to all homeowners required to upgrade, even if they were not eligible previously. Find out more about the program and how much you could be eligible for by clicking the button below to be taken to our Homeowner Grants website.

Check out highlights from the 142 (now 143) projects the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program has completed over the last 10 years to reduce and remove over 1.3 million pounds of pollution in the IRL and restore natural habitats, including over 40 million clams and oysters.

Volunteer Opportunities

November 3 - Brevard Zoo Restore Our Shores

• Oyster Seeding

November 6 - Marine Resources Council

• First Friday Litter Sweep

November 7 - Marine Resources Council

• Garden Day

November 13 - Marine Resources Council

• Mangrove Workshop

November 14 - Waterway Warriors

• Shoreline Cleanup

November 21 - Marine Resources Council

• Mangrove Workshop

November 28 - Waterway Warriors

• Shoreline Cleanup

Continuous Opportunities

• Brevard County Natural Resources

Rain Garden Maintenance and Storm Drain Marking - Email Carlos Cuevas

• Brevard County UF/IFAS Extension

Florida's Horseshoe Crab Watch - Email Holly Abeels

• Marine Resources Council

Outreach Tabling and Additional Opportunities - Email Honor Edmands

• City of Melbourne

Storm Drain Marking - Call 321-608-7341

• Space Coast Water Sweep

Derelict Crab Trap Removal - Learn how to get involved on their website.

Want to learn more about our projects and how they are helping the lagoon? You can view the project plan, progress reports, and financial reports on our Save Our Indian River Lagoon Website. Or for more information, visit our Program Update StoryMap to see a snapshot of the progress and programs in the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program. 

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