Septic to Sewer

In addition to relocating our wastewater plant off of the Indian River Lagoon, FPUA is actively expanding our sewer system and eliminating the need for septic tanks in our service area. Currently, an estimated 3,000 households within the FPUA wastewater service territory are still utilizing septic tanks. The Clean Waterways Act, and many other local and statewide initiatives, are aiming to reduce the impact of nutrient pollution caused by septic systems, stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment plants, and fertilizer. Further, the Indian River Lagoon is currently on the impaired water designation list. By eliminating the need for septic systems, FPUA is supporting these initiatives and empowering our community to protect our vulnerable Indian River Lagoon.

Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals toxic to local waterways. When these pollutants are released into the ground, they eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, and more, harming local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish . Further, while septic systems are designed to treat pathogens in human waste, they weren’t designed to remove nutrients. The increase in nutrient loads and pollutants into the environment can lead to eutrophication, which can cause harmful algal blooms.

Events that cause an increase in water volumes, such as heavy rains, flooding, or increased water usage, can cause sludge to clog the drain field pipes. Sludge is the solid particles at the bottom of the septic system. The clogged drain field pipes can then cause wastewater to back up into the home and onto the lawn. Once the wastewater has reached the surface lawn area, it can cause further harm as the contaminated runoff enters into the IRL.

Septic tanks are simply tanks that collect and store sewage under your home for years. They have to be manually pumped periodically to ensure they are well-maintained and not full. Maintaining your septic tank can be an expensive hassle, and it is extremely harmful to the environment if neglected.

In contrast, FPUA’s sewer system is monitored and maintained by a team of expert utility employees. On-site, your sewer system connection sounds an alarm if problems occur, alerting you to contact us. FPUA has a 24-hour dispatch department and once a problem is called in, a trained service technician will respond to your home to service the pump. The occupants of the home can continue minimal use of the system while the service technician is in route.

It is well-founded that a public sanitary sewer connection to a home adds value to the property, as compared to the installation or continued use of a septic tank. Further, converting to the centralized sewer system will eliminate the risk of septic system contamination of the groundwater and Indian River Lagoon.

FPUA created the Residential Grinder Pump Program in order to assist homeowners with converting their septic systems to FPUA’s centralized sewer system. This program is a comprehensive system that streamlines the process for homeowners while providing financial incentives to connect. FPUA utilizes licensed contractors to install a localized grinder pump and all necessary components, including the septic tank abandonment, electrical at the home, as well as the connection to our system. FPUA will fully maintain the grinder system permanently.

See what a grinder pump does by viewing this video: Grinder Pump Demonstration.

Please be advised this is just a demonstration, FPUA advises that residents avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper in order to keep your pipes from clogging.

Thank you, Fort Pierce, for helping protect the Indian River Lagoon with your overwhelming response to our grant-funded Septic-to-Sewer conversion program. Available grant funding has been allocated for Fiscal Year 2024.

The next phase of FPUA’s Septic to Sewer Conversion environmental initiative is dependent upon being selected for additional grant funding.

Learn about current FPUA Active Grants at: https://www.sustainablesewer.net/grantsandsupport