Springs Bill Limiting Septic Tanks Backed

A group of senators have agreed to support a bill that would remove or improve septic tanks in an effort to protect springs and groundwater. Four Senate Committee Chairmen have agreed to support the bill, which has yet to be filed, and would cost nearly $380 million a year, according to the Florida Current. Of Florida’s 700-plus springs, 33 are “first-magnitude” springs, responsible for producing more than 64 million gallons of water daily. Runoff from septic tanks and fertilizer adversely affects the springs by adding too much nitrogen, causing algae to choke the springs.