Homeowners and business owners in the Indian River Lagoon watershed in Brevard County, Florida, now are eligible for larger grants to pay for state-required septic upgrades, multiple media outlets reported. Brevard County commissioners unanimously voted to guarantee a $6,000 cost-share for homes and businesses that qualify for nitrogen-reducing septic systems.
The state of Florida designated the watershed for water quality restoration because of high nitrogen levels that harm the lagoon and kill seagrass, the primary food source for manatees. State law requires properties in the watershed to upgrade to a nitrogen pollution reducing septic system or connect to sewer by 2030.Residents
