Water and Sewer Expansion Authority Eliminating Failing Septic Systems
The Water and Sewer Expansion Authority (WSEA), established in 2003 as an independent authority by the City of Jacksonville, was originally created to provide property owners with an opportunity to finance water and/or sewer infrastructure in their existing developed neighborhoods on a voluntary basis.
For voluntary projects, the WSEA offers alternatives for financing by allowing the capital costs to be financed by the homeowner with a 30 percent subsidy, only requiring a pay back of 70 percent. Homeowners who participate in these programs are assessed a finance charge on monthly utility billings to pay for the capital costs over a 20- to 30-year period. A project must have at least 50 percent homeowner participation to be considered cost-feasible to go to construction. Homeowners within a project area who choose not to participate may defer their connection to the system. However, if their septic tank system fails or they sell their property, the deferment is no longer valid. The homeowner will then be responsible for a lump sum payment at the time of connection.
There are approximately 75,000 septic tanks located throughout Duval County. Many of those systems are failing and polluting the St. Johns River and its tributaries. Failing septic tanks also create unacceptable public health risks and inhibit private investment and economic development in the affected areas. Currently, there are 37 areas in Duval County that have been declared septic tank failure areas by the County’s Health Department. Those failing areas include 29,000 septic tanks. As the environmental impacts worsen, shown by 15 new failure areas established in 2008, the City of Jacksonville has named WSEA the official Septic Tank Phase Out lead, along with the responsibility of community outreach and program education.
WSEA Accomplishments:
The WSEA has provided sewer connections to 350 properties on a voluntary basis. Current projects consist of funding sewer extensions to 515 septic systems located in the Oakwood Villa Estates Phase 2, and an additional 85 properties in Lincoln Villas Phase 1. Construction has started on Oakwood Villas Estates as well as design work on Lincoln Villas. Oakwood Villas Estates Phase 2 is scheduled for completion by the end of 2009. Lincoln Villas Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by June 2010.
Secured funding to date:
2007
- $2.8M in grants for the Lincoln Villas Phase I, Septic Tank Phase Out (STPO) project. A $2M ad valorem grant from St. John’s Water Management District and a $800K CBIR grant.
- $11.2M CIBR grant for the Lower St. Johns River Basin Initiative (Oakwood Villa Estates STPO project)
2008
- $300K CIBR for the Lincoln Villas Phase II STPO project.
For more information, call (904) 665-7024.