5 groups collaborate to connect families to sewer

news release

A significant stride toward cleaner waterways was made this January when the City of Vero Beach, Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County (CWC), Indian River Land Trust (IRLT), Indian River Community Foundation (IRCF) and the Economic Opportunities Council (EOC) teamed up to convert 10 homes from septic to central sewer via the City’s (STEP) sewer system. The transition from septic systems to sewer connections is in response to new regulations set by the State, aimed at safeguarding the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon. Understanding the financial burden this transition imposes on some residents, the organizations listed above provided necessary funding. Technical expertise and project implementation was led by CWC and EOC.

Left to Right: Angela Davis-Green (Economic Opportunities Council), John Carrol (Vero Beach City Councilmember), Linda Moore (Vice Mayor of Vero Beach), Keith Drewett (Clean Water Coalition), Ken Grudens (IR Land Trust), Jeff Pickering (IR Community Foundation), John Cotugno (Mayor of Vero Beach)

“Switching to sewer is not just an infrastructure change, it’s a community commitment to environmental stewardship,” says Keith Drewett, Vice President of CWC. “Septic tanks have long caused pollution in our area and with recent legislation, there is a date certain where every home must connect.” For decades, septic systems have posed a significant threat to the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon, contributing to nutrient pollution and algal blooms. The switch to sewer systems is a critical step to combat these environmental challenges.

With the current funding available, 25 additional homeowners in the Atlantic Avenue area will be assisted to connect to sewer on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents in the Atlantic Avenue area who are interested in learning more about the septic-to-sewer conversion program should contact the Economic Opportunities Council at 772-562-4177 or https://eocofirc.net/step-septic-tank-effluent-pumping. This project not only fulfills the new State mandate – it can also be repeated in a broader area – funds permitting.

The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County is proud to have initiated this project and, along with its partners, remains dedicated to advancing environmental initiatives that serve and benefit our community. This septic-to-sewer conversion project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect and restore the Indian River Lagoon, a cherished natural asset of Vero Beach.