Volusia County: Property owners must connect to available sewer systems. New Smyrna Beach: Properties must switch to centralized wastewater systems and abandon existing septic systems when public ones are available. New Smyrna Beach Utilities: Properties with septic systems must connect to a publicly owned wastewater collection system within 365 days after notification that the system is available.

New Smyrna Beach Utilities is pleased to announce we were awarded $11.4 million through the 2024-2025 Indian River Lagoon (IRL) Water Quality Improvement Grant Program to help fund the Silver Sands Septic to Sewer conversion project. This amount is in addition to the $7.5 million previously awarded. The project is now substantially funded, and we will proceed with the subsequent phases. NSBU will continue to review various funding options to cover project expenses in excess of the awarded amounts.

Silver Sands Project Overview

Project Background and Purpose

In December of 2023, New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU) was awarded $7.5 million in grant funding for the conversion of residential septic systems to sanitary sewer in the Silver Sands area. In early 2025, NSBU was awarded an additional $11.4 million in grant funding for construction costs as well as for private connection costs.

Silver Sands is located in the southern portion of New Smyrna Beach, between the Atlantic coast and the intercoastal waterway. This septic to sewer project will convert approximately 554 residential septic systems to centralized sewer. Once the residents are connected to the sewer system, the wastewater generated will be treated at NSBU’s treatment facility through a lift station and gravity collection system.

The new sewer system will be constructed within the right-of-way; however, a portion of the system will need to be constructed on each property to connect the home to the sewer system. While the new gravity system is being constructed and installed, the water mains in the area will be replaced. The existing water mains are asbestos cement pipes and are estimated to be nearing the end of their useful life.

The purpose of this project is to comply with all State regulations related to septic systems. While installing a new centralized wastewater system in the area NSBU has opted to add a Capital Project to address the aging potable water piping.

Project Drivers

In recent years, the Florida Department of Environmental Projection (FDEP) has implemented several rules and regulations related to wastewater treatment, and specifically septic systems including House Bill 1379. Additionally, ordinances have been implemented by Volusia County and the City of New Smyrna Beach related to septic systems. These rules and regulations include:

Clean Waterways Act (2020)

Established to clean up pollutants, nutrients, etc. in water bodies.
Requires creating plans to improve specific septic systems.
Transferred control and monitoring of septic systems from public health (Florida Department of Health) to environmental impact management (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) in 2022.
Introduced mandatory septic system inspections.
FDEP Website for Clean Waterways Act.
Clean Waterways Act Regulations (PDF).

Standards for Onsite Sewage Systems (2021)

Septic systems must be inspected annually.
Performance-based septic systems need bi-annual inspections by a qualified professional.
FDEP Website for Standards for Onsite Sewage Systems.
Standards for Onsite Sewage Systems (PDF).

House Bill 1379 (2023)

Aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution from septic systems.
By 2023, homeowners in designated areas must install systems that reduce nitrogen or connect to centralized sewers.
Key deadlines:
- July 1, 2023: New septic systems on small plots of land in designated areas must reduce nitrogen.
- January 1, 2024: All new septic systems in the Indian River Lagoon Protection Area must reduce nitrogen.
FDEP Website for House Bill 1379.
FDEP Mapping Tool Website.
House Bill 1379 (PDF).
House Bill 1379 Fact Sheet (PDF).

Florida Statute Chapter 381.00655(2)(c)

Local governments or water and sewer districts can allow exceptions for connecting to available centralized sewer systems, if a property meets all requirements.
Florida Statutes Website for Chapter 381.00655(2)(c).
Florida Statute Chapter 381.00655(2)(c) (PDF).

Local Ordinances

Volusia County: Property owners must connect to available sewer systems.
New Smyrna Beach: Properties must switch to centralized wastewater systems and abandon existing septic systems when public ones are available.
New Smyrna Beach Utilities: Properties with septic systems must connect to a publicly owned wastewater collection system within 365 days after notification that the system is available.

Project Schedule, Progress, and Next Steps

On June 26, 2024, NSBU entered into a contract with Kimley-Horn to develop cost effective solutions and strategies to design, permit, and construct the Silver Sands sanitary sewer system.

The agreed upon scope of work includes:

Project Management
Preliminary Engineering Services
Field Investigation Services
Detailed Design and Permitting
Grant Funding Support
Public Outreach Services
Bid Phase Services
Construction Phase Services

As of June 2025, the design of the new sanitary sewer system as well as the Capital Project potable water main replacement is 15% complete. Currently, NSBU is in the process of securing a parcel and/or easement for the wastewater lift station which will be required to serve the area.

Once the wastewater lift station site has been secured, the design team will move forward to 30% design, 60% design, 90% design, and ultimately a bid ready set of construction documents.

A preliminary project schedule has been developed for this multi-year project, which is expected to be completed prior to, or by, July 1, 2030. However, as a site for the wastewater lift station has not been secured, and the property acquisition timeline has yet to be determined, the schedule has not been finalized. When the lift station site is secured and the property acquisition is completed, the schedule will be re-evaluated and updated.

As part of the preliminary engineering and public outreach portion of the project, the following documents and memorandums have been developed:

Conceptual System Layout
Community Awareness Plan
Cost Analysis Memorandum
Evaluation of Sewer Connection Options
Field Investigation Notifications and Door Hangers (August 2024 Example 1) (August 2024 Example 2)
Ordinance and Regulatory Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Project Summary and Status Memorandum

These memorandums have been provided in the Additional Information section. Click here to jump to the Additional Information section.

Need a New Septic System Before the Project is Complete?

If a property requires a new septic system prior to the Silver Sands Septic System Replacement Project completion, there are a few key components that should be considered including:

State Regulations
Variances
Timeframe of Replacement
Cost to Replace vs Cost to Connect

State Regulations: In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1379, with the goal of reducing nitrogen loading from septic systems. Nitrogen loading refers to the amount of nitrogen released into a water body. HB 1379 requires advanced wastewater collection and treatment systems, commonly referred to as performance-based septic systems or nitrogen reducing systems.

HB 1379 requires homeowners within a Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) area to either install a nitrogen reducing septic system or connect to a central sewer system by January 1, 2030. A RAP is a strategic plan designed to outline actions and measures that ensure ongoing attainment and maintenance of water quality standards for impaired water bodies. Silver Sands is located within a RAP area, which means all residents will either need to update their septic systems or connect to the central sewer system once the Silver Sands Septic System Replacement Project is complete.

Key dates associated with HB 1379 are provided below:

January 1, 2024 – all permit applications for a new septic system, including septic system components such as a drainfield, are required to install a nitrogen reducing system.
January 1, 2030 – all property with an existing septic system must connect to a centralized sewer system or upgrade to a nitrogen reducing system.

Variances: Through Florida Statute Chapter 318.00655(2)(c), NSBU is able to grant a variance to an owner of a performance-based septic system permitted through FDEP. The owner of the performance-based septic system must ensure that the system is functioning properly and satisfies all conditions of the operating permit.

Applications for a variance will be made available as the project progresses.

Timeframe of Replacement: Traditional septic systems generally have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years, depending on maintenance. If a property’s septic system is nearing the end of its lifespan but is likely to function properly until the project is complete, a homeowner may consider delaying replacement, as grant funding received by NSBU is anticipated to partially cover the homeowner’s cost to connect to the central sewer system. However, if the system requires immediate repair or replacement, a homeowner may consider installing a performance-based septic system and apply for a variance with NSBU. It should be noted, if a homeowner does not connect to the central sewer system at the time of the Silver Sands Septic System Replacement Project they will not be eligible for the grant funds received by NSBU. Ultimately, the decision on when to replace a septic system lies with the property owner, but it is important to consider the timing in relation to the anticipated completion of the Silver Sands Septic System Replacement Project.

This analysis determined that central sewer placed a lower financial burden on the homeowners over a 30-year period.

Cost to Replace vs Cost to Connect: A detailed cost analysis was completed in October 2024, to evaluate the costs associated with septic systems and centralized sewer. This analysis determined that central sewer placed a lower financial burden on the homeowners over a 30-year period. Performance-based septic systems require the installation of advanced technology and additional maintenance when compared to traditional septic systems. The continued cost for central sewer consists of a monthly sewer bill, which on average is less per year compared to the maintenance costs of a performance-based septic system. A detailed cost analysis can be found here.

The choice between connecting to a centralized sewer system or installing a performance-based septic system and applying for a variance with NSBU is entirely up to the property owner. The information provided herein aims to assist in the decision-making process and is not intended to influence the homeowner in any specific direction.

Additional resources related to nitrogen reducing septic systems can be found here:

Additional Resources

Additional resources have been developed during the preliminary engineering and public outreach portion of this project. These resources are provided through the links below.

Community Awareness Plan – The Community Awareness Plan provides a strategy for effectively engaging the public and stakeholders, as well as document public outreach efforts throughout the project. The plan represents a commitment by NSBU to promote public involvement initiatives throughout the project as well as provide information and involvement opportunities.

Cost Analysis Memorandum – The Cost Analysis Memorandum provides a detailed description of a life cycle cost analysis that was performed to determine an annual cost per homeowner over a 30-year period for wastewater services, comparing septic system costs with central sewer system costs.

Evaluation of Sewer Connection Options – The Evaluation of Sewer Connection Options includes a review of options for homeowners to connect to the centralized sewer system, septic system abandonment, as well as funding and repayment options. This memorandum was developed to present information to NSBU and does not include any recommendations or final decisions.

Ordinance and Regulatory Memorandum – The Ordinance and Regulatory Memorandum summarizes State and Local wastewater rules and regulations related to septic systems including the Clean Waterways Act, House Bill 1379, Florida Statute Chapter 381.00655(2)(c), Volusia County Ordinances, and City of New Smyrna Beach Ordinances.

FAQs

1. Why is New Smyrna Beach Utilities installing centralized sewer?

1. New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU) is installing centralized sewer to protect the environment in New Smyrna Beach as well as comply with rules and regulations for areas within a Basin Management Action Plan and Reasonable Assurance Plan area.

2. What does it mean to convert from septic to sewer?

1. There are approximately 554 homes within the Silver Sands community which currently treat their household wastewater through a septic system. This program would install and connect these homes to a centralized wastewater system where all household wastewater would be treated at the NSBU wastewater treatment facility.

3. What are the benefits of connecting to sewer?

1. There are several benefits of connecting to a centralized sewer system, including:

1. 1. Environmental Protection: Centralized sewer systems help to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into groundwater, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. By having the wastewater treated at a wastewater treatment plant, pollutants can be removed before the water is released back into the environment.
  2. Convenience and Reliability: Connecting to a centralized sewer system eliminates the need for individual septic tanks which require regular maintenance, monitoring, and occasional repairs by the homeowner. The sewer system provides a more convenient and reliable way to manage wastewater and frees the homeowner from the responsibility of managing their own system.
  3. Increased Property Value: Properties connected to a sewer system often have higher resale values compared to those relying on septic systems.

4. Will residents be required to connect?

1. Section 82-159 of the City Ordinances, Section 122-55 of the County Ordinances, and Resolution 10-83 of New Smyrna Beach Utilities requires connection to central sewer within 365 days once it becomes available.

5. What is the sewer connection process?

New Smyrna Beach Utilities has contracted an engineering firm, Kimley-Horn and Associates, to design the gravity sewer system. Following the design of the system, construction will begin. During construction a pipe will be placed to be connected to the existing septic system cleanout pipe on your home. Once this connection is complete, residents will be fully connected to the centralized wastewater system.

6. What should residents expect during the construction process?

During construction residents can expect the following, depending on your location:
1. Frequent communication and updates from the project team
2. Construction noise and traffic
3. Temporary road closures and detours
4. Temporary service interruptions, with prior notice
5. Construction equipment and materials within easements near residential property
6. Dust and debris from construction activities.

7. How long would the construction process take?

1. This is expected to be a multi-year project; at this time it is unknown when construction will begin. However, construction is estimated to be completed by January 1, 2030.

8. What will the cost to residents be?

1. The cost to residents is unknown at this time as NSBU is analyzing the equitable distribution of grant funds which will be utilized toward the cost for residents to connect to the sewer system. The amount of grant funding utilized toward an individual property will also be dependent on the number of residents who wish to connect to the centralized wastewater system at the time of the project.

9. How do residents stay up to date on the project?