In July 2023, the State of Florida enacted a bill that requires owners of Haines City properties less than an acre in size to install specialized ATU systems when adding a new septic system.
The blue-shaded area on the map on this page shows the cities and towns in which House Bill 1379 applies.
Why the Change?
The State of Florida has determined that water bodies in certain areas of Florida, including Haines City, have very low-quality water. This is primarily due to excessive amounts of nitrogen in the water.
HB 1379 aims to clean up these water bodies through new “enhanced nutrient-reducing/nitrogen-reducing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.” They’re also called “aerobic treatment units,” which we’re going to shorten to “ATU” here.
About the ATU/Nitrogen-Reducing System
An ATU system works by infusing the liquid effluent in the storage tank with oxygen, which energizes existing bacteria to break down and digest waste more efficiently. Studies show that these systems reduce nitrogen in the effluent by as much as 75%.
Other than the increased nitrogen-reducing capability, ATU systems run about the same way as your traditional Haines City septic system: effluent leaves the home, goes into the tank and then on to the drain field. Drain fields will not have to be modified as part of this changeover.
Who Is Required to Install an ATU System?
According to the State of Florida: “New system permits are required when a septic system is installed where it has never been before and in certain situations when a complete septic system is replaced.” Only properties of one acre or less are affected by the bill.
Under the mandate, all septic installations for new construction in and around Haines City will require an ATU nitrogen-reducing system. We can help you determine if the regulation applies if we replace your existing septic system.
