Lake County is reducing nutrient pollution from septic tanks with its Distributed Wastewater Treatment System (DWTS) program. The County has employed a modern, cost-effective solution that protects local waterways while minimizing disruption to residents.
Through the DWTS program, Lake County has kept more than 2,000 pounds of nitrogen out of its lakes and springs so far. Rather than relying on slow and expensive centralized sewer expansions, the County has adopted distributed treatment technology that is faster to install. It is also more affordable and highly effective.
“We chose this approach because it’s smart, scalable, and respects our communities,” said Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks. “The DWTS program delivers immediate environmental benefits without the cost or disruption of traditional sewer projects. I’m proud of our team for leading the way.”
The DWTS program uses high-performance treatment units, installed on residents’ properties, that match the performance of large municipal plants. These units are installed in just hours and require no homeowner maintenance. Lake County manages the entire process, from septic tank removal to round-the-clock remote monitoring and servicing by licensed technicians.
The results speak for themselves:
- Up to 88% nitrogen removal, exceeding the performance of even advanced septic systems.
- No disruptive roadwork, no property acquisition, and no traffic impacts.
- Installation cost per pound of nitrogen removed is just $900, less than half the cost of centralized sewer alternatives.
Funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, along with strong local leadership, has helped Lake County launch its DWTS program at a pace few others have matched. The program offers a blueprint for other Florida communities seeking to meet water quality goals without delay or overspending.