Last Updated on September 2, 2025 by Yilin

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Basics of Septic Systems webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network. We had great engagement and thoughtful questions throughout the session!

What We Covered

This webinar provided an overview of how septic systems function, why they matter for Florida’s water, and new rules affecting homeowners. Topics included:

• How septic systems work and their limits. Conventional tank and drainfield design, what they remove well (pathogens) and what they do not (nutrients like nitrogen).
• Signs of failure and basic maintenance. What to look for (odors, surfacing water, backups) and simple steps like pumping, water efficiency, and protecting the drainfield.
• New requirements under HB 1379. Rules for septic system remediation in impaired waterbodies, including sewer connection requirements and nitrogen-reducing upgrades by 2030.
• Enhanced nutrient-reducing options.Aerobic treatment units (ATUs), performance-based treatment systems (PBTS), and in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters (INRB).
• Septic system maintenance. Key homeowner practices: pump tanks every 3–5 years, conserve water, properly dispose of waste, and keep vehicles and structures away from drainfields.

If you missed it, you can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/RVbHikbavOA

Please note: This prerecorded presentation does not cover the new septic system rule (HB 1379). For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection House Bill (HB) 1379 Requirements for ENR Fact Sheet website at https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/documents/house-bill-hb-1379-requirements-enr-fact-sheet

Audience Q&A Highlights

1. What chemicals are safe to use for septic system users?

Septic systems work best when they are not overloaded with harsh products. Try to limit antibacterial soaps and bleach-based cleaners, and avoid using “septic additives.” Do not pour paint, solvents, medications, or oils down the drain, since they can harm groundwater. Using too many strong chemicals can also reduce the helpful bacteria in your tank, and those bacteria are important for breaking down waste.

Learn more in the University Arizona Cooperative Extension publication Antibacterial Products in Septic Systems to learn more https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-09/az1258-2018_Antibacterial%20Products%20in%20Septic%20Systems.pdf

2. What are the best practices to maintain an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)?

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) require more care than conventional systems. In addition to maintenance practices recommended for conventional septic systems, homeowners should:

• Maintain a service contract with a licensed provider.
• Ensure the air blower and spray heads function properly.
• Pump the system as needed, similar to conventional tanks.
• Keep records of inspections and maintenance, as required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

3. What is the typical lifespan of a conventional septic system?

With proper use and routine maintenance, conventional septic systems typically last 20 to 30 years. However, lifespan can be shortened by poor siting, heavy household water use, or lack of pumping.

4. Where can I find information regarding the size and location of my septic system?

Your county health department is the best place to start. They maintain septic system permits and records, including system size and installation diagrams. These documents are the most reliable way to locate your system and understand its capacity.

Please note that since July 1, 2021, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has overseen statewide regulations for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS). Some documents are still being updated to reflect the transfer of the OSTDS program from the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to DEP, so the location of certain records may have changed. If your local health department is no longer managing specific permits or records, they will direct you to the appropriate agency.

5. Can you provide more details on HB 1379?

House Bill 1379 (2023) established new requirements in certain areas of Florida. In these areas, new septic system construction permits must include a specialized nitrogen-reducing system rather than a conventional septic system. These requirements apply to lots one acre or smaller in all Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) areas and Alternative Restoration Plan areas. The only counties in Florida that do not contain any areas impacted by HB 1379 are Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Liberty, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington. HB 1379 also requires nitrogen-reducing systems for new septic systems serving lots of all sizes within the Indian River Lagoon Protection Program area (parts of Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Volusia counties).

Legislative summary of HB1379: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/BillSummaries/2023/html/3087

Florida Department of Environmental Protection HB 1379 Fact Sheet: https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/documents/house-bill-hb-1379-requirements-enr-fact-sheet

6. What weight limits apply over a drainfield, especially for lawnmowers?

There is no specific weight limit for a septic drainfield. The main concern is soil compaction and potential damage to the system. Heavy vehicles and equipment such as cars, trucks, tractors, or trailers should not be driven or parked on a drainfield, since compaction reduces the system’s ability to treat wastewater and can shorten its lifespan.

A standard residential push mower or riding lawn mower is generally safe for mowing grass over the drainfield. These machines are light enough to maintain vegetative cover without causing significant compaction.

Water Testing Kit Drawing

As part of this webinar series, we are giving away a $200 home water testing kit. The second drawing was held on Tuesday, September 2. You can watch the drawing here (https://youtu.be/UNYjZW2gXEw). A reminder: after each webinar, we will hold a drawing and give away another water testing kit.

What’s Next

Our next webinar is Hurricane Preparedness and Your Water Systems, Thursday, September 4, 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET. We will discuss the potential impacts hurricanes and flooding can have on your private wells and septic systems, and share practical steps homeowners can take to prepare, protect, and recover safely.

Registration: https://2025FWON.eventbrite.com

For more resources on private wells and septic systems, visit the Florida Well Owner Network website https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/well/, or the UF/IFAS Septic Systems website https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/septic-systems/.

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