The Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program was created as part of the ½ cent sales tax voted on by Brevard County Residents in 2016. The purpose of this program is to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon. To accomplish this goal, Brevard County has implemented various programs that target pollution inputs, remove legacy loads of pollution, and restore natural filtration systems. For more information regarding the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program, click here.

One of the programs implemented by Brevard County to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon is the Septic Upgrade Voluntary Grant Program. This program provides up to $18,000 in financial assistance to homeowners who upgrade their traditional septic tanks to Advanced or Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs). Traditional septic systems are usually an environmentally safe means of disposing domestic waste. However, septic systems that are not properly maintained or have been installed in unfavorable areas can add excess nutrients, bacteria and viruses into the environment. ATUs induce a wider diversity of bacteria than a conventional system; these bacteria are able to break down more solids and reduce the amount of nitrogen that is released into the enviroment.