Domestic Wastewater
 Proper
treatment and reuse or disposal of domestic wastewater (DOM) is
essential for protecting our state's most vital resource - water.
Water is vital to Florida's environment, our state's economy, and
our future. It is the essence of our unique state and forms the
basis for almost all of Florida's ecosystems.
Each person in Florida generates about 100 gallons of domestic
wastewater each day. This wastewater must be managed to protect
public health, water quality, recreation, fish and wildlife, and
the aesthetic appeal of our waterways. Domestic wastewater in
Florida is treated either by on-site sewage treatment and disposal
systems (i.e., OSTDS or septic tanks) or by centralized domestic
(municipal) wastewater treatment facilities. The
Florida
Department of Health - Onsite Sewage Program has
responsibility for regulating OSTDSs which treat a good portion of
our state's domestic wastewater. However, the majority of the
state's domestic wastewater is treated by larger centralized
treatment facilities, which are the regulatory responsibility of
the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
DEP, through its District Offices,
works with wastewater utilities and the citizens of Florida to
protect and conserve our water resources while meeting the basic
public health need for effective wastewater treatment. The
Department is responsible for permitting and compliance activities
for over 2,100 domestic wastewater
treatment facilities in the state. These activities are part
of the Department's coordinated efforts to promote safe,
efficient, and environmentally sound management of Florida's
domestic wastewater.
The Domestic Wastewater (DOM) Section in Tallahassee is responsible for
the development and administration of rules and policy for proper
treatment of wastewater from domestic facilities. Other responsibilities
include such activities as industrial pretreatment,
biosolids management,
reuse of reclaimed water,
wastewater to wetlands and coordination of
on-site
sewage treatment and disposal activities with the Department of Health.
For More Information Please browse our domestic wastewater topics
listed on the right hand side for more information. If you still have any
general questions about domestic wastewater you may contact the Domestic
Wastewater Section in Tallahassee at 850-245-8605. For permitting
questions related to a specific project or area of the state, you may wish
to contact the appropriate District Office.
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2012 State of Florida