Introduction

The City of Coral Gables is working with neighborhoods to explore residents’ interest in transitioning properties from septic systems to a centralized sewer system and to better understand the associated costs and benefits.

The city is working with its consultant, 300 Engineering Group, LLC/Ardurra Group Inc., to develop a comprehensive citywide septic-to-sewer conversion program (S2S Program). The initiative will assess feasibility, costs and benefits while supporting the city’s commitment to protecting public health, improving water quality and planning for sustainable infrastructure.  

Program Overview

The city's S2S Program is part of a broader effort by both Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida to modernize wastewater infrastructure and ensure compliance with evolving environmental regulations. The S2S Program aligns with the Miami-Dade County Connect 2 Protect initiative, which aims to transition properties from septic to sewer in order to reduce pollution, protect groundwater and improve resilience against sea level rise. Many existing septic systems were installed decades ago and are now failing due to age, soil conditions, rising groundwater levels and increased population density.

As a result of this planning effort, 19 new sewer basins have been proposed. These basins were ranked and prioritized based on key factors, including:

• Proximity to surface water

• Vulnerability of septic tanks to failure

• Flood risk

• Soil drainage

• Nutrient loading

Additionally, this program aims to evaluate the most efficient and cost-effective methods to transition to a centralized sewer system while considering environmental impacts, regulatory compliance and community needs. This initiative is a key step in improving water quality and protecting the environment. View basin map. 

What Is a Sewer Co-op?

A sewer co-op would be a neighborhood-based group that could help property owners coordinate future septic-to-sewer connections, learn about the process, explore competitive contractor pricing, and identify potential funding and financing options.

Homeowners would decide whether to move forward through a majority vote. Individual property owners would then make their own decisions and contracts for their properties; the co-op would not involve purchasing sewer connections as a group.

Where Are We Now?

The city has identified 19 proposed sewer basins and is now meeting with residents to explore their interest in moving forward.

Community Meetings

The city is meeting with residents to:

• Plan ahead: Address vulnerabilities associated with aging septic systems and flooding.
• Protect water quality: Help protect groundwater and local waterways.
• Understand the costs: Evaluate what a transition could mean for property owners and the community, including funding options and the timeline to connect.

We value community input! Attend public meetings, participate in surveys and provide feedback on the proposed plan. Below are past informational meetings the city hosted regarding different areas and neighborhoods within the city. 

Why Were Meetings Held?

Community engagement is an important part of the planning process. The city is meeting with residents to provide information, answer questions and better understand each neighborhood’s interest in a potential transition from septic to sewer.

To clarify:

• No mandate exists requiring neighborhoods to convert from septic to sewer.
• The city is not launching a septic-to-sewer conversion program.
• Residents are only required to connect to the sewer by State and County law if — and only if — a sanitary sewer system is installed on their street.
• A mandate would only occur if required by the State of Florida, not the city.
• If a septic tank fails, Miami-Dade County now requires replacement with a more advanced and more expensive system under county law.

Past Meetings

The city conducted a basin study and presentations to ensure residents had the information they need to make informed decisions should Federal or State grants become available in the future. At that time, neighborhoods would have the option to consider whether they want to pursue such opportunities.

These meetings were held to educate, inform, and listen but not to impose any requirements. Coral Gables remains committed to transparency, responsible planning, and supporting residents with accurate information as state and federal funding programs evolve.

Contact

For any questions, please email us at septictosewer@coralgables.com.