Septic-to-Sewer Conversion

Updated September 2025
The City of Atlantic Beach: Protecting Our Waters, Enhancing Our Community

The City of Atlantic Beach is committed to preserving our natural environment and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. A key initiative in achieving these goals is the ongoing effort to eliminate septic tanks throughout the city, transitioning properties to the City’s central sewer system. This vital program significantly reduces the amount of harmful nutrients and bacteria that can impact the beautiful Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the delicate salt marsh ecosystem.

State-Funding for Septic-to-Sewer Conversion

The City of Atlantic Beach is excited to announce that the City has received a $312,500 State of Florida legislative appropriation to help the City transition 14 septic tanks to the City’s central sewer system in your neighborhood. Connection to the central sewer system as part of this project will directly contribute to improved water quality in the salt marsh and protection of the quality of the shallow groundwater in Atlantic Beach. The City will announce further details during the FY 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, 2025.

Why Convert to Central Sewer?

Septic tanks, especially in low-lying, flood-prone areas like our Marsh Oaks community, pose several environmental and public health risks:

  • Water Quality Protection: Septic systems can leach nutrients and bacteria into groundwater and surface waters, contributing to pollution of our salt marshes and other aquatic ecosystems. Converting to a central sewer system significantly reduces this nutrient load, leading to a healthier, more stable environment.
  • Public Health Safeguard: Failed septic tanks can lead to sewage backups and the release of untreated wastewater, posing serious health risks to residents and those using our waterways. Central sewer systems provide a resilient and dependable means of sewage disposal, protecting public health from bacteriological contamination.
  • Flood Resilience: In areas prone to coastal flooding, septic systems are particularly susceptible to failure. Central sewer systems offer a more reliable and flood-proof solution for wastewater management.
  • Increased Property Value: Homes connected to central sewer systems are generally more valuable than those relying on septic tanks. Sewer systems are more reliable and require less ongoing maintenance from the homeowner.
  • Reduced Homeowner Responsibility: Septic systems require regular pumping and maintenance, which can be costly and inconvenient. With a central sewer connection, the municipality maintains the system, greatly reducing the homeowner's responsibility and ensuring proper wastewater treatment and disposal.
  • Greater Flexibility for Home Improvements: Septic systems have limited capacity, potentially requiring special permits for home additions. Central sewer offers greater capacity, providing more flexibility for future home improvements.

Our Progress and Commitment

Since 2000, the City of Atlantic Beach has made significant strides, reducing the number of septic tanks from approximately 400 to about 46. Our goal is to eliminate these remaining tanks, particularly the approximately 33 located in the Marsh Oaks area, a low-lying region especially susceptible to coastal flooding.

This initiative aligns with broader regional goals to:

  • Reduce water demand through conservation.
  • Develop alternative water supply sources.
  • Improve water quality by reducing nutrient loading.
  • Increase available source water through the development of storage.
  • Provide funding for flood protection and natural-systems restoration.

What to Expect: Project Activities and Benefits

The project will involve the following activities and services:

  • Planning, Permitting, Design, and Engineering: Ensuring a well-executed and compliant transition.
  • Construction of Sewer Line Extensions: Bringing the central sewer system to your property.
  • Septic Tank Abandonment and Connection: Properly decommissioning your septic tank and connecting your home to the municipal sewer system.
  • Backfilling and Restoration: Restoring your property to its original condition after construction.

What is This Going to Cost Property Owners Who Will Benefit From the Project?

The City has not yet determined what the direct cost to property owners will be. 

The City will announce further details during the FY 2025-26 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, 2025.