When Do You Need a New Septic System?
A new installation is a significant investment, but there are several situations where it's the right call:
- Building a new home on land that isn't connected to municipal sewer — which includes most of rural Citrus County.
- Your existing system has failed beyond repair — the tank is structurally compromised, the drain field is saturated, or the system can no longer handle your household's needs.
- You're required to upgrade — if your property is in a BMAP Priority Focus Area and you need a major repair or modification, current regulations require a nitrogen-reducing system.
- Your home is expanding — adding bedrooms or bathrooms may exceed your current system's capacity. Florida sizes septic systems by bedroom count, not by square footage.
- You're buying property with a condemned or outdated system — some older systems don't meet current code and must be replaced before closing.
Types of Systems We Install
The right system depends on your property's soil, water table, lot size, and whether you're in a regulated springs protection zone. Here's what we work with:
Conventional System
A standard septic tank connected to a gravity-fed drain field. Works well on properties with suitable soil and adequate space. The most affordable option when conditions allow.
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
Uses oxygen to break down waste more thoroughly than a conventional tank, producing cleaner effluent. Required for most new systems and major repairs in Priority Focus Areas near our springs.
In-Ground Nitrogen-Reducing Biofilter (INRB)
A passive system that reduces nitrogen without mechanical components or electricity. Lower long-term maintenance costs than an ATU, but requires more space for installation.
Mound System
Built above ground level for properties where the water table is too high or soil is too poor for a conventional drain field. Common in low-lying coastal areas of Citrus County.
Installation costs vary significantly based on your property's soil conditions, system type, lot size, and permitting requirements. Call us for a free on-site evaluation — we'll assess your property and recommend the right system with a clear, honest estimate.
Citrus County Septic Regulations You Need to Know
If you're installing or replacing a septic system in Citrus County, there are regulations that may affect what type of system you can use — and in some cases, your only option is a nitrogen-reducing system.
What changed: As of December 15, 2025, any septic repair or modification application within a BMAP Priority Focus Area must include a nitrogen-reducing system design. New systems on lots under one acre in these zones must also be nitrogen-reducing. This applies to properties near Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa Springs, and Chassahowitzka Springs.
Why it matters: Florida's springs are impaired by nitrogen pollution, and conventional septic systems are one of the biggest contributors. The state enacted these rules under the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act to reduce nutrient loading into the aquifer. Citrus County has three Outstanding Florida Springs that are all part of active Basin Management Action Plans.
What this means for you: If your property is in or near a Priority Focus Area, your installation options are likely limited to ATU, INRB, or performance-based systems. We can check your property's status and help you navigate the permitting requirements. Read our full BMAP guide for homeowners.
Citrus County Septic Upgrade Grant Program
Homeowners in FDEP-approved Priority Focus Areas may qualify for up to $7,000 in reimbursement toward the installation of an approved nitrogen-reducing system. The program runs through March 31, 2027, or until the $3.9 million in state funding is exhausted — whichever comes first.
Learn how to qualify and applyOur Installation Process
Site Evaluation and Soil Testing
We assess your property's soil composition, water table depth, lot dimensions, and proximity to waterways or wells. This determines which system types are viable and where the components should go.
System Design
Based on your property's conditions, household size (measured by bedroom count), and regulatory requirements, we design a system that meets both your needs and all applicable codes.
Permitting
We handle all permitting through the Florida Department of Health and Citrus County Building Department. If your property is in a BMAP zone, we ensure the design meets nitrogen-reducing requirements before submittal.
Installation
Our crew handles excavation, tank placement, pipe connections, drain field construction, and any electrical work (for ATU systems). We keep the site as clean as possible throughout the process.
Inspection and Approval
After installation, the system is inspected by the Florida Department of Health and the county. We don't consider the job done until the system passes inspection and you have your certificate of completion.
System Orientation
We walk you through how your new system works, where the components are located, what to watch for, and when to schedule your first pump-out. If you have an ATU, we'll explain the maintenance requirements and help you set up a service agreement.
Communities We Serve
We install septic systems across all of Citrus County, including Crystal River, Inverness, Homosassa, Lecanto, Citrus Springs, Beverly Hills, Floral City, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, and Pine Ridge.