Protecting the Indian River Lagoon, One Connection at a Time
Indian River County is converting homes from aging septic systems to modern centralized sewer — improving water quality, protecting public health, and safeguarding one of Florida's most important natural resources.
Community Meeting
Join us to learn about the upcoming septic-to-sewer project
Countywide Sewer Conversion Workshops
Please see below for the next upcoming workshop
Free public workshops running throughout September, covering sewer connection requirements, available financial assistance, and the benefits of connecting to centralized sewer service. Every workshop covers the same material — attend whichever fits your schedule.
Countywide Sewer Conversion Workshops
The Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) is hosting a series of free public workshops throughout September to introduce the IRC Countywide Sewer Conversion Project. Residents are encouraged to attend whichever workshop best fits their schedule — each one covers the same material and ends with a live question-and-answer session with County staff and project representatives.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 3Held | 5:30 p.m. | Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo CenterDavid W. Fleetwood Building, 7955 58th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967 |
| Thu, Sep 10Next | 5:30 p.m. | Intergenerational Recreation Center1590 9th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 |
| Mon, Sep 14 | 5:30 p.m. | North Indian River County Library1001 Sebastian Boulevard, Sebastian, FL 32958 |
| Tue, Sep 15 | 11:30 a.m. | Indian River County Main Library1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 |
| Tue, Sep 22 | 11:30 a.m. | Indian River County Main Library1600 21st Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 |
| Thu, Sep 24 | 5:30 p.m. | Intergenerational Recreation Center1590 9th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 |
| Tue, Sep 29 | 5:30 p.m. | North Indian River County Library1001 Sebastian Boulevard, Sebastian, FL 32958 |
The key objectives for the workshops:
- Educate Property Owners impacted by State regulations
- Launch IRCDUS'...
- Sewer Conversion Countywide Project
- Sewer Connection Assistance Program
- Address questions/concerns
What Each Workshop Covers
- State legislation and sewer connection requirements
- IRC Sewer Connection Assistance Program
- Project costs and available funding opportunities
- Property owner responsibilities
- Project timeline
- Live question-and-answer session with project staff
Every workshop covers the same material. Attend whichever date and location works best for you.
Workshop Documents
Current Projects
Explore the septic-to-sewer projects currently underway across Indian River County. Click on a project to learn more about timelines, resources, and updates.
19 homes near the Indian River Lagoon converting from septic to centralized sewer. Community meeting held on March 31, 2026.
Status: Accepting construction bids through contractor award
168 homes near the Indian River Lagoon converting from septic to centralized sewer. Community meeting held on June 17, 2026.
Status: Engineering and design underway
Septic-to-sewer conversion with utility improvements. Progressive design-build delivery method.
Status: Soliciting qualifications for an engineering firm or design-build team
Approximately 53 homes converting to centralized sewer. 75% funded through FDEP grant. Progressive design-build delivery.
Status: Field Investigation and Design Underway
Countywide sewer conversion effort spanning the North, Central, and South Utility Service regions where centralized sewer service is currently available. Seven public workshops scheduled throughout September 2026.
Status: Countywide workshops underway to introduce the project, funding options, and connection requirements
Project Phase Guide
Procurement Phase
Planning, funding & contract award
Design Phase
Engineering & design underway
Permitting Phase
Regulatory approvals in progress
Bid Phase
Accepting contractor bids
Construction Phase
Active construction underway
Closeout Phase
Final inspections & wrap-up
Complete Phase
Project complete
Project Locations
Use the interactive map above to explore project locations. Keyboard users can press Tab to enter the map.
What Is the Septic-to-Sewer Program?
Indian River County's Septic-to-Sewer Program is replacing older residential septic systems with connections to the county's centralized sewer system. Septic systems in areas near the Indian River Lagoon can contribute excess nutrients — particularly nitrogen and phosphorus — to local waterways, which harms water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
By connecting homes to centralized sewer, the county can significantly reduce nutrient pollution reaching the lagoon while also providing homeowners with a reliable, modern utility connection that eliminates the need for individual septic system maintenance. The program currently includes four active projects across the county, each serving a different neighborhood.
How Does This Help The Indian River Lagoon?
Many homes in Indian River County were built with individual septic systems before centralized sewer was available in their area. While these systems were adequate at the time, they contribute nutrients to the groundwater that eventually reaches the Indian River Lagoon.
The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, stretching 156 miles along Florida's east coast. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from septic systems, stormwater, and other sources have degraded water quality in the lagoon over the past several decades. Converting homes from septic to sewer is one of the most effective ways to reduce nutrient loading and support the lagoon's recovery.
Indian River County has prioritized neighborhoods where the environmental benefit is greatest — areas closest to the lagoon and its tributaries, where septic systems have the most direct impact on water quality. To learn more, please enjoy our short informational video.
Read full transcript
Full transcript of How Septic-to-Sewer Protects Our Water.
Time: 0:07 – 0:33
For decades, septic tank systems have been collecting, treating, and disposing wastewater. When residents flush the toilet, take a shower, or brush their teeth, wastewater flows into the septic tank and the drain field then percolates into the soil where it is absorbed. Indian River County has sandy soils and seasonal rainfall that causes the groundwater tables to rise.
Time: 0:34 – 1:11
This may result in nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacteria migrating from the septic systems into water bodies, which can negatively impact water quality and the ecosystem. Septic system failures can result in sewage backups and limit recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and boating. When residents convert from septic systems to a wastewater collection system, wastewater is safely treated, which enhances the environmental stewardship, resiliency, and sustainability of water resources.
Time: 1:22 – 1:26
Indian River County, working together to protect our natural resources.
Benefits of Connecting to Centralized Sewer
Converting from septic to sewer provides significant advantages for the environment, homeowners, and public health.
Environmental Protection
- Reduces nitrogen and phosphorus entering the Indian River Lagoon and local waterways
- Eliminates the risk of septic system failures contaminating groundwater and surface water
- Supports long-term water quality goals for the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem
Homeowner Benefits
- Eliminates the risk of costly septic system repairs or replacements
- Connection to a reliable, professionally maintained county sewer system
- May increase property value
Public Health
- Reduces potential exposure to raw sewage
- Protects drinking water sources by reducing groundwater contamination
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the Septic-to-Sewer Program.