Environmental Protection
Wastewater
ACEPD Wastewater Program
The Alachua County Wastewater Code gives authority to the county to conduct inspections and sample effluent from the 19 wastewater plants (click to see a map) operating under permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in Alachua County. Eight of these plants are municipal plants and the remaining 11 are smaller plants (also called package plant) located at mobile home parks, apartment complexes, hotels, and schools. ACEPD performs routine inspections, including effluent sampling, and then sends the results to the plant owners and FDEP.
Treated effluent (or reclaimed water) from the wastewater facilities recharges the aquifer via spray irrigation, perculation ponds, or deep well injection or is discharged directly to surface waters. The municipal plants in the cities of Alachua and Gainesville and the University of Florida facility have re-use programs for piping the treated water so it can be re-used for uses such as irrigation. Re-use is becoming a more atttactive option as water shortages are becoming more common.
Septic Systems
Septic systems are also called onsite treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) and are regulated by the Alachua County Health Department. To obtain a permit for proposed installations, repairs, modifications, and approvals of existing system contact their office at 352-374-5243.
To increase the efficiency of your septic system (and protect water quality) you can:
- Have it inspected by a liscensed professional every 2-3 years
- Always pump your system when recommeded by a professional
- Never put grease down the drain
- Bring household chemicals to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center instead of pouring them down the drain
- Use water efficiently
- Upgrade to a performance based treatment system with drip irrigation
- Learn more tips about your septic system
