1. How did this project come about?
In March 2023, the Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a Countywide Wastewater Management Plan in response to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) and the Clean Waterways Act (formerly Florida Senate Bill 712, 2020) requirements. The plan targets areas where septic-to-sewer conversion will most improve water quality by reducing nitrogen.
The county secured $1.5 million in state funding to cover County fees, design, permitting and land needs, officially adopted in March 2024, for the completion of the county’s highest priority project as indicated in the plan.
Additional funding is being pursued to cover construction and reduce or eliminate costs for residents. The project will be turnkey, including connection to sewer and proper abandonment of septic systems following State requirements.
Links:
FDEP BMAP - https://floridadep.gov/dear/water-quality-restoration/content/basin- management-action-plans-bmaps
Clean Waterways Act/2020 Senate Bill 712 -https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/712
Countywide Wastewater Management Plan: https://www.leegov.com/utilities/Documents/Countywide%20Wastewater%20Manage ment%20Report.pdf
2. What is happening now?
Lee County is currently finishing Phase 1: Pre-construction for the project; survey, design and permitting for the highest priority project as indicated in the Countywide Wastewater Management Plan.
3. Why were these two areas selected for this?
In the Countywide Wastewater Management Plan, both areas were identified as Grouping #1 for water quality improvement and availability of wastewater treatment County at the Water Reclamation Facility, reducing the cost of the project.
4. What does septic have to do with water quality and the river?
Older septic systems can leak wastewater into the ground if they become worn out or don't work properly. That wastewater can eventually make its way into nearby ditches, canals, rivers, and groundwater.
Too much wastewater entering local waterways can contribute to algae growth, reduce water quality, create unpleasant odors, and harm fish and wildlife. Connecting homes to the public sewer system helps reduce these risks and protects our rivers and the environment for everyone.
5. What will residents have to pay?
The County is working to cover most of the project costs, including connection fees, impact fees, and septic tank abandonment. Most homeowners will only be responsible for paying their normal monthly utility bill after they connect to the sewer system.
For a typical single-family home using about 5,000 gallons of water per month, the monthly utility bill is currently estimated to be between $60 and $100, depending on whether water service, sewer service, or both are provided by Lee County.[AB1] [CD2]
Link:
Lee County Utilities rates and fees - https://www.leegov.com/utilities/rates-fees
Please note that the fees/rates will increase with each rate increase. Currently approved at 8% on July 1 2025, 2026, and 2027.
6. What will the County do with the septic tanks once the residents are hooked up?
Once your home is connected to the public sewer system, your septic tank will be properly abandoned in accordance with state regulations. This typically includes pumping out the tank, disconnecting it from your home, and either crushing or filling the tank, depending on the site conditions and applicable requirements.
7. What is the timeline?
- Phase 1 – Pre-construction (Surveying, Design, and Permitting): Survey, Design, and Permitting will be completed by September 2026.
- Phase 2 – Construction: Is expected to begin Springs 2027 and is expected to take 18–24 months. Work on private property will happen toward the end of this phase.
8. Where will work take place?
Most construction will take place within the public right-of-way or utility easements, which are the areas where utilities are typically located. In some cases, work will extend onto private property to connect your home to the new sewer system. The contractor will restore disturbed areas once the work is complete.
9. When will the contractor work?
Construction is generally expected to take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In some cases, evening or weekend work may be necessary to keep the project on schedule. During construction, the contractor will be required to abide by all County noise ordinances.
10. How will construction work be accomplished?
Construction will generally progress one section of roadway at a time to minimize disruptions. Crews will install the new sewer main within the roadway and utility easements. Temporary traffic control will be used to help maintain access to your home throughout construction. While short delays may occur, every effort will be made to keep driveways and local roads accessible.
11. How will I be notified of construction activities?
Construction representatives will coordinate with residents as work progresses and will provide several weeks advance notice via mail out of proposed project schedule and use of door hangers as work is getting ready to start on a given street. Advanced coordination will be included for all of the homes or properties affected by driveway closures, trash pick-up, mailbox relocation, and landscaping removal.
12. What safety precautions should we take?
Safety is always the County’s number one priority. Each construction site adheres to strict safety standards. Please maintain a safe distance from construction areas and discourage children from approaching construction equipment. Also, please pay strict attention to temporary access restrictions and follow posted traffic control signs.
13. Will work be noisy?
Construction will involve heavy equipment used to remove pavement, dig trenches, install sewer pipes, and restore the roadway. As with most utility construction projects, some noise is unavoidable during work hours. Crews will also use pumps to remove groundwater from the trenches so the pipes can be installed safely. These pumps will move throughout the project as construction progresses and will be placed where they have the least impact on nearby homes whenever possible. The contractor will make every effort to minimize noise and other disruptions. If noise from the pumps becomes a concern, the contractor can install temporary sound barriers or other noise-reducing measures where appropriate.
14. What will happen to the landscaping and mailboxes in front of my home?
Landscaping, mailboxes, and other personal improvements located within the public right-of-way or utility easements may need to be temporarily removed or permanently relocated if they conflict with construction. Because these items are privately owned and are not part of the public infrastructure, the contractor is generally not responsible for replacing them.
Standard mailboxes will be temporarily removed, if necessary, and reinstalled once construction is complete.
If you have decorative or monument-style mailboxes, landscaping, or other personal improvements that you wish to preserve, Lee County recommends removing them before construction reaches your property.
15. How much of my driveway and lawn will be disrupted?
Construction will primarily occur within the public right-of-way; however, some temporary impacts to private property may be necessary to complete utility connections and restore the area.
For most homes, disturbance will be limited to the area near the front of the property where the new utilities are installed. Portions of lawns and driveway aprons may be temporarily affected. For homes with brick, painted, stamped, or other decorative driveways, a construction representative will meet with the property owner in advance to discuss the planned construction approach and options to minimize impacts.
Areas disturbed by construction will be restored in accordance with the construction contract. This includes restoration of driveway aprons, and sod that are impacted by construction.
16. Will I be able to get in and out of my driveway during construction?
We understand that construction is an inconvenience. Maintaining access to homes is a priority. During active trench excavation and some other activities, such as street paving or driveway construction, driveway access may be restricted. There may be times when you have to park in an area other than your driveway. Construction representatives will attempt to contact residents prior to driveway disruptions.
17. Will there be road closures and detours?
Road closures and detours may be necessary to construct this project and ensure the safety of construction crews and motorists. Detours will be clearly marked with signs prior to any road closures. Major road detours and closures are posted on the project website.
18. Will construction affect garbage pickup and mail delivery?
The County and its contractor will coordinate with Waste Pro and the U.S. Postal Service to minimize disruptions to garbage collection and mail delivery during construction. If temporary changes are necessary, such as a different garbage pickup location or a temporary mailbox location, affected residents will be notified in advance whenever possible.
19. Will school bus stop locations change?
If a temporary bus stop relocation is necessary due to construction, Lee County and the contractor will coordinate with the local school district. Parents and students will be notified of any temporary bus stop changes through the school district's normal communication process.
20. What is the process and timeline for street paving after utilities are installed?
To provide a long-lasting roadway, streets will be paved in two stages. After the underground utilities have been installed and the roadway has been prepared, the contractor will place the first lift (base layer) of asphalt. Residents will continue to have access to their homes during this period, although temporary traffic control and lane restrictions may be in place.
The final lift (surface layer) of asphalt will typically be installed after the first lift. This allows time for utility service connections and for any settlement of the roadway before the final pavement is placed, resulting in a smoother and more durable finished street.
21. Will my property be restored once construction is complete?
Yes - Areas disturbed by construction will be restored in accordance with the construction contract. Streets, driveway aprons, sod, and other improvements affected by construction will be repaired or restored to match the existing condition or better.
If construction requires temporary disturbance on private property to complete a utility service connection, those disturbed areas will also be restored in accordance with the construction contract. The County encourages residents to relocate and landscaping on private property that is anticipated to be impacted by construction.
22. What happens if construction impacts my driveway?
Driveway replacement varies in accordance with the type and thickness of the existing driveway. If your driveway is impacted by construction, your driveway will be restored to match the existing conditions or better. The restoration method depends on the type of driveway:
Concrete driveway – The affected section will be removed and replaced with new concrete to match the existing driveway.
Painted/decorative/stamped driveway - The restoration will be discussed with the property owner before construction.
Paver driveway – If replacement of pavers is required, the existing pavers will be removed and replaced. And pavers damaged during construction will be replaced.
If your driveway has unique features, a construction representative will discuss restoration plan with you before work begins.
23. What if I have a complaint regarding construction or damage incurred from construction?
The contractor will be responsible for repairing construction-related damage (not including removal of items within the County’s ROW).
You may report any damage through the project website: www.LeeSewerProject.com, email: info@LeeCountySeptictoSewer.com or by calling 239-478-9152. A representative will contact you to assist in resolution of your claim.