The Village of Estero is actively advancing its septic-to-sewer conversion initiative to enhance public health and environmental quality. This project involves transitioning properties from septic systems to centralized sewer services, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Environmental and Public Health Benefits
Septic systems, especially in areas susceptible to flooding, pose risks of contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies like the Estero River. By connecting properties to the Lee County Utilities sanitary sewer system, the Village aims to mitigate these risks, thereby improving water quality and reducing health hazards associated with septic system failures.
Community Impact
The conversion project is expected to provide long-term benefits to residents by enhancing the reliability of wastewater management and reducing the potential for environmental contamination. Additionally, this initiative supports the Village's broader goals of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Background
In the summer of 2019, the Estero Village Council approved a Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) research project to help identify the source of bacteria in the Estero River. The study tested for human waste, nitrogen compounds, and bacteria, and was recently completed and presented to the public.
The Village of Estero also contracted with Banks Engineering, a Southwest Florida firm, to study the feasibility of converting septic systems to sewer. This study was presented to the Village Council in the summer of 2020.
The Village Council has now engaged Wood & Curran to act as Program manager for the project, with the primary task being public engagement. The purpose of this webpage is to provide information on the project and opportunities to give the Village feedback.
Articles
State funding requests to protect the Estero River and improve safety approved by Council on October 15, 2025
Public comment on non-agenda items: A resident of Luettich Lane stated that road is in very bad condition and residents should not have to wait for the utility extension before repairs can be completed. A [Read More.]
State funding requests on the agenda for Council on October 15, 2025
Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, addressing requests for state funding for the Sunny Groves utility extension, Estero SportsPark reuse water main extension and storage tank, Estero Parkway reuse water main extension, [Read More.]
Projects to protect the Estero River among topics addressed by Council on October 1, 2025
Public Comment: Two residents addressed the banner rule in the lease agreement with Estero High School. FDEP grant for Orange Park Utility Extension Project Council approved a grant agreement with the Florida Department of [Read More.]
FEMA to maintain Village of Estero’s CRS rating
FEMA grants the Village additional time to address floodplain compliance The Village of Estero was notified July 19 that FEMA will maintain Estero’s Community Rating System (CRS) rating of 6 until at least April 1, [Read More.]
Millage rate and disaster preparedness among topics for Council on July 3, 2024
Council will start the meeting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday addressing the proposed millage rate for FY 2024-2025 and approval of the first budget amendment for FY 2024/2025. The Village’s emergency response plan and contracts for [Read More.]
Utility expansion, Estero on the River and Corkscrew Road construction management among topics reviewed by Council on June 5, 2024
Utility Expansion Program Utility Expansion Program Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Council approved the ranking of the construction manager at risk firm for this project to be Wright Construction. Village staff will work with Wright [Read More.]