About
Connect to Protect
Connect to Protect is Martin County’s environmental initiative, connecting residential properties currently on septic systems to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment system, improving the health of nearby waterways. The stakes are high for our health, home, environment and economy.
Septic tanks allow nutrients and pathogens to contaminate waterways which can result in harmful algal blooms and can even seep into on-site water wells. Septic to sewer conversion will reduce water body contaminants including nitrogen, phosphorous and fecal coliform, and help protect the health of the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon and Estuary, and offshore reefs that are vital to our community, environment and economy.
The truth is, most septic systems will fail eventually. Septic tanks with concrete or metal parts can degrade over time, leading drain fields to becoming clogged with organic material which makes the system unusable. Pipes blocked by roots, soils saturated by high water tables, crushed distribution pipes, improper location, poor original design or poor installation can all lead to major problems. By far the most common reason for early failure is inadequate maintenance by homeowners.
Martin County’s Connect to Protect conversion program streamlines the connection process while giving residents the opportunity to collectively reduce pollution and help protect waterways. Residents benefit in other ways too, like no more septic system-related issues and maintenance costs, and far more flexibility in how the property is used.