news release

The Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) has canceled the remaining countywide sewer conversion workshops scheduled for September and is refining its outreach to better serve residents who are most directly impacted by the State-mandated septic system requirements established by the Florida Legislature during the 2023 legislative session through HB 1379.

Moving forward, the County will focus its efforts on small group meetings with those property owners who meet the criteria for state grant assistance to connect to the County’s centralized sewer system. This approach will allow staff to provide residents with information specific to their property, including applicable requirements, connection options, and information regarding potential financial assistance.

“Citizens attending the meeting last week and last evening were clear,” stated Deryl Loar, County Commission Chair. “This mandate is creating stress and has the potential to create a significant hardship for many of Indian River County’s fixed-income households and young families struggling to provide a secure home for their children,” he added. The Board of County Commissioners will include this issue as a priority for the 2027 legislative session and will advocate for financial assistance and a reasonable path toward compliance for affected residents.

The State-mandated septic system requirements outlined in HB 1379 (2023 legislative session) are available on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website: https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/permitting-enhanced-nutrient-reducing-onsite-sewage-treatment-and.

For more information on how the county is working to comply with the state mandate, visit: http://www.ircs2sprogram.com.

Property owners within the County’s program area who are eligible for County assistance will receive additional information as meetings are scheduled. The County remains committed to keeping residents informed and helping affected property owners understand the connection process and available resources.