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
Irrigation conservation and water shortage ordinances among topics to be addressed by Council on April 21, 2021
Council will start their meeting at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, addressing an interlocal agreement with the Lee County Port Authority for “Tall Structure” notification and the appointment of a representative and alternate to the Lee County [Read More.]
FGCU Estero River Water Quality Report, landscape and intersection improvements reviewed by Council on April 7, 2021
Public comment on non-agenda items: one resident thanked David Willems and Mary Gibbs for attending and participating in the recent School Board meeting re the proposed K-8 school;1 resident spoke in opposition to that school [Read More.]
Vice-Mayor Katy Errington and Public Works Director David Willems participated in the Third Annual River Neighbors Update on March 9, 2021
Vice-Mayor Errington opened the meeting describing the potential uses for the Estero on the River property. She stated that the goals include preserving and protecting the river frontage and rare old growth forest, but may [Read More.]
2020-2021 budget and tax rate set at Council meeting on September 23, 2020
Public Comment on non-agenda items: 3 eComment cards were read into the record regarding the importance of septic to sewer changes to alleviate negative impacts on the Estero River, and street lights, bike lanes and [Read More.]
Estero River, CIP and bike & pedestrian master plan among topics discussed by Council on June 17, 2020
The meeting started with an update on Florida Gulf Coast University’s water school presented by Dr. Michael Martin and a presentation of the preliminary water quality findings for the Estero River presented by Don Duke, [Read More.]
Estero River, CIP and bike & pedestrian master plan among topics to be discussed at the Council meeting on Wednesday, June 17, 2020
The meeting will start at 9:30 a.m. with an update on Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water Institute presented by Dr. Michael Martin and Greg Tolley, and a presentation of the preliminary water quality findings for [Read More.]