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
SportsPark, Septic to Sewer and High 5 among many topics addressed by Council on June 17, 2026
Action Items Estero RiverPark Eco-Historic Planning Study Village consultants Phillip Bryant and Anie Delgato presented an overview of the Eco-Historic Planning Study prepared by Land Design Inc. The Village received a $450,000 Community Development Block [Read More.]
Sunny Grove Park and Cypress Bend RV Resort among topics for Council on May 20, 2026
Council will start the meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, recognizing two outstanding Estero high school students along with a proclamation for the American Gold Star Mothers of Southwest Florida, Inc. Action items include consideration of [Read More.]
Estero students and Vulnerability Assessment Project among topics addressed by Council on April 15, 2026
Kevin Wilson (center) is surrounded by his parents, members of the Estero High School, Lee County School District, Lee County School Board, Mayor Ribble and Councilmembers Mayor Joanne Ribble and Councilmembers presented a [Read More.]
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.]