Situation
Our community of Old Palm City (OPC) encompasses approximately 1,000 homes that historically operated on septic and well systems. Most still operate on septic systems and ~350 remain on well water systems. Many properties east of Mapp Rd and directly located on Sunset Trail have water service.
2006: Old Palm City CRA adopts the plan which included a primary focus of infrastructure development which encompasses water and sewer conversions for the area.
2015: A paid study proposes a plan with a vacuum-based solution as the most cost efficient and rated the OPC area as the number 1 priority in the county in need of conversion for various reasons.
2018: A resident-initiated project in this year to provide homes in Palm Lake Estates to city water. This area was part of the original OPC project scope but since removed after this project was completed and county chose to implement grinder sewer solution rather than the 2015 OPC project solution. Homeowner tax assessments exist for water service of approximately $500 per year.
2019-2024: Repeating annual efforts of bids and grants which are unsuccessful in reaching an acceptable cost per homeowner and project is deprioritized amongst other areas within the county.
Complications
Since 2018, the project has been delayed due to rising costs and insufficient grant offsets. Because of its large size, securing the required funding in a single phase has proven difficult. This leaves residents in limbo and project costs continue higher over time.
Delays increase the risk of septic system failures, groundwater contamination, and uncertainty around property improvements and community planning. Most homeowners have septic and well systems which are 30+ years old.
Resolution
One potential path forward is to break the large OPC project into smaller phases. A phased approach would allow progress to begin while spreading costs and making smaller grants more achievable. Each step forward delivers benefits to residents and builds momentum.
- Secure smaller grants and funding more easily
- Deliver benefits incrementally instead of waiting for full funding
- Spread construction effort and costs over time
- Build community confidence through visible progress
Proposed separation of the properties west of Mapp Rd to progress water and sewer connectivity due to the prevalence of existing lines and connection density.
FDEP Danforth Creek pollutant reduction plan applies to properties west of Mapp Rd. Map reference here.
