Watch this video to learn about how your septic system affects Wakulla Springs.

What is the problem?

Wakulla Springs, the 4th largest spring in the world is experiencing too much algae growth, which effects the health of this unique and delicate ecosystem. The cause of the excess algae growth was determined to be from nitrates from wastewater reaching the groundwater and flowing to Wakulla Springs. Now the State of Florida has mandated that a nitrate water quality standard must be met to improve the health of Wakulla Springs. Two main sources of wastewater are from the City’s sprayfield in the southern part of Leon County (where all of the City’s treated wastewater from central sewer is applied) and from septic systems throughout Leon and Wakulla Counties.

Special Note — nitrate concentrations required for the springs are not a public health issue. The concentrations to prevent algae growth are much lower than what is required for drinking water.

With the completion of the City's $227M Advanced Wastewater Treatment project in 2014, the City has achieved significant reductions of nitrate to the groundwater and to Wakulla Springs. Scientists agree the next biggest nitrate source to address is from the cumulative affect of individual septic systems. Most of the septic systems that need to be addressed, either by upgrades to a performance-based system or by connecting to central sewer, are located outside the City limits, in both Leon and Wakulla Counties. There are approximately 50,000 septic systems in the two counties.

But you can help!

There are relatively few septic systems left within the city limits of Tallahassee. But those that are a priority to address by connecting the properties to existing central sewer, lie in the southern portion of the City limits. In this area, septic systems have a greater negative impact on the health of Wakulla Springs due to the geology of the area. The City has estimated approximately 130 properties in this area of the City that already have central sewer available. Grant funding provided by the State of Florida to connect these properties to sewer will help to reduce the amount of nitrates reaching Wakulla Springs. Get more information on beautiful Wakulla Springs.