District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program

The District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program provides sanitary sewer service to Miami-Dade County District 1 residents with septic tank systems in order to protect properties, health, and natural resources including drinking water and surface water such as Biscayne Bay.

If septic tank systems are not working correctly, they can cause public health risks, environmental impacts, or damage to plumbing systems and private property. Septic tanks systems rely on dry soil conditions to properly function. Unique conditions in South Florida make septic systems susceptible to higher groundwater levels and stormwater flooding, which may compromise the system’s ability to treat the waste and cause it to travel to drinking and surface water resources. To protect public health, our nature resources, and private property value, it is important to ensure all residents have access to safe, effective, and sanitary wastewater disposal. Because these improvements can take time to implement, proactive planning is necessary to stay ahead of rising water levels and detrimental impacts to our water resources.

Program Vision

My vision is to create a healthier and more sustainable community for my constituents by initiating the District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program. By transitioning from outdated septic systems to the County’s modern and efficient infrastructure, my goal is to improve public health, protect the environment and provide growth opportunities for businesses, enhancing the quality of life and well-being for the District 1 community.

I believe in the power of community collaboration and engagement. Fostering strong partnerships with our residents, local businesses and organizations will ensure the successful implementation of the District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program. I am confident that together we will bring significant improvements to our public health and community well-being, while protecting our natural resources, such as Biscayne Bay.

About the Program

Approximately 9,000 properties are served by septic systems in District 1. The District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program will first focus on properties that have existing sanitary sewer infrastructure available for connection, prioritizing them by vulnerability to rising groundwater levels and proximately to surface water. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department is installing necessary laterals to the existing public sewer infrastructure to enable these connections and Chairman Gilbert has committed $1 million to assist property owners with the private side connections. A variety of sources, including traditional and new funding mechanisms, are being explored to accomplish system expansion to all of District 1.

Find out more about Septic Systems and how they work
For properties in unincorporated Miami-Dade County or who receive service from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, you can check online at iWASD Connect GIS Viewer

Benefits of Connecting to Sewer

Enhanced Property Value – Properties connected to a centralized water and sewer system may experience increased property values over those similarly situated properties served by septic tank systems
No Septic Maintenance Cost – Removes the burden and cost of maintaining the septic system
Reduce Risk of Malfunctions – Septic tank systems are vulnerable to rising groundwater, which can cause increased nutrient discharge into Biscayne Bay and result in backups into homes and businesses
Flexibility for Home Improvements – Additional flexibility for home additions and improvements such as room additions, in-ground pools, adding trees and landscaping, driveway placement, etc.
Economic Development - Sanitary sewer service supports economic development by maximizing a property’s land use and zoning potential that allow for commercial uses and higher density development

Frequently Asked Questions

- For properties in unincorporated Miami-Dade County or who receive service from Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, you can check online at iWASD Connect GIS Viewer
- For residents who receive service from another water and sewer agency, contact that utility
Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website or Regulatory and Economic Resources website for more information on how septic systems work.
In South Florida, our groundwater is just a few feet beneath the ground. Groundwater changes throughout the year: in the wet season, it’s closer to the surface, and in the dry season, it may be a foot or two lower. Usually, it’s closest to the surface at the end of the wet season (around September/October). As sea levels continue to rise, it also increases the groundwater levels near the coast, resulting in less unsaturated soil above the groundwater.
Check 2 Protect - While waiting to connect to County sewer infrastructure, please properly maintain your septic system. It will add years to its service life, minimize problems, and save you money. If you neglect septic system maintenance, the system can fail and potentially impact your family’s health, your wallet, and the environment.

For tips on how to Check to Protect your septic system, visit the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources’ Septic System Care page.

Connect2Protect - Miami-Dade County is embarking on a countywide septic to sewer conversion program. For more information on Connect2Protect, please visit Connect 2 Protect (miamidade.gov).

How much will it cost me to connect to Miami-Dade County's sewer infrastructure?

Typically, it would cost a homeowner approximately $10 - $15,000 to connect their private property to County’s centralized sanitary sewer infrastructure. However, for Phase 1 of the District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department will cover all costs associated with the public side laterals and Chairman Gilbert’s $1 million contribution towards this program will cover private side connections for the 60 plus homes included in this phase. A variety of other sources are being explored to fund the future phases of the program and lower/remove the financial impact on property owners.

The table below presents a summary of the estimated typical cost to connect to the centralized sanitary sewer system, based on two general categories: 1) properties with access to the existing sewer system (abutting infrastructure) and 2) properties with no access (sewer extension/expansion).

**Estimated Typical Cost to Connect to the Centralized Sanitary Sewer System**
Estimate Cost	Public Infrastructure	Private Infrastructure*
Properties with Abutting infrastructure without Sewer Lateral	$15,000 - 20,000	$10,000 - $15,000
Properties with No Access to Sewer Infrastructure Estimated Cost for	Varies by Project (For planning purposes this is estimated as $50,000)	$10,000 - $15,000

*Estimated cost of plumbing, septic tank abandonment, associated permit, and fees.

How much will my monthly bill be after I am connected?

Each customer's bill will vary based on their individualized water usage. However, the table below reflects the typical water consumption bill for low and average usage.

**Typical Water Consumption Bill for Low and Average Usage**
Volume User	Water	Sewer	Total Bill
Low Usage/Consumption (approximately 2,250 gallons)	$4.61	$7.85	$12.46
Average Usage/Consumption (approximately 5,250 gallons)	$19.55	$37.65	$57.20

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Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Interest Categories

Online Services

News & Social Media

Create a new miamidade.gov account

Elected Officials

County Agencies

Transparency & Open Data

Employee Information

My Employee Portal

Miami-Dade County

District 1 Septic to Sewer Conversion Program

Program Vision

About the Program

Benefits of Connecting to Sewer

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if I have a septic system or sewer connection?

Why do we need to switch from septic to sewer?

How will the connection within my private property be constructed?

What does the process include?

What does it mean when a system is "vulnerable" or "failing" and how do I know the status of my system?

What is groundwater and how does it change?

How do I maintain my septic system?

How much will it cost me to connect to Miami-Dade County's sewer infrastructure?

How much will my monthly bill be after I am connected?

Commission District 01