If you are building on property that does not have access to municipal utilities including water/sewer, you will need a way to process the wastewater from your home.
Traditionally, homes that aren’t connected to city water/sewer would install a septic system to handle wastewater, but current septic laws mandate the use of ATU wastewater treatment systems for parcels under an acre in certain regions of Cape Coral. This legal shift highlights the importance of understanding advanced wastewater treatment options.
What is an ATU System?
An Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) is a specialized wastewater treatment system built to process household sewage directly onsite. The ATU utilizes aerobic bacteria to break down and treat organic matter in the sewage in an eco-friendly treatment process. Notably versatile and efficient, ATU systems excel in installations where conventional systems (like septic tanks) may encounter challenges, such as poor soil quality or unfavorable site conditions.
Most notably, ATUs allow the construction of larger houses on smaller lots, since they require a smaller drainfield compared to conventional systems.
The ATU Process
- Pretreatment Phase: Separating Solids The process starts with a pretreatment phase where solids from household sewage are separated and housed in a designated tank or compartment within the main tank.
- ATU Core Process: Oxygen-Powered Breakdown At the core process, an air pump infuses additional oxygen into the tank. This extra oxygen works like a boost, making bacteria grow faster and helping break down the waste. The heightened bacterial activity contributes to a more rapid breakdown of organic matter.
- Settling Tank: Gravity at Work Following the ATU core process, the treated water and remaining solids move to the settling tank. Gravity helps separate the solids from water within the tank. This natural process ensures the production of refined waste ready for the final discharge phase.
- Waste Discharge: The Final Stage The treated water is discharged into the drainfield to seamlessly rejoin the natural environment. The ATU system’s flexibility is highlighted by its compatibility with various drainfield systems, including conventional, chamber, mound, or drip systems.
New Septic Laws and Homeowner Responsibilities: Ensuring Compliance and Sustainability
Legal Requirements for Homeowners
- Current septic laws dictate the necessity of ATU systems for parcels under an acre in certain regions of Cape Coral.
Operating Permit and Maintenance Contract
- Homeowners must maintain a current operating permit for the life of the system, with renewals required every two years at a cost of $175.00 payable to the Department of Health.
- A valid maintenance contract with an approved maintenance entity must be upheld for the system’s lifetime. Initial contracts on new construction are good for two years, with subsequent renewals of at least one year. Prices vary based on the maintenance entity and system type.
- View an example of the ATU Application.
Maintenance Entity Responsibilities
- The maintenance entity selected must inspect and service the ATU a minimum of two times per year.
- Inspection reports from the maintenance entity must be submitted to the Department of Health in Lee County.
Government Oversight
- The Department of Health is obligated to conduct at least one annual inspection of the maintenance and performance of the ATU, ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting the longevity of the system.
As future Cape Coral homeowners prepare to build in compliance with septic laws, it’s important to realize that while ATU systems might be a change from the previous norm of septic tanks, they also empower future homeowners with the exciting prospect of building larger homes on smaller lots. Go big and build the home of your dreams!