Calculate YOUR SEPTIC Nitrogen Footprint

Designed for county and local government agencies, Carmody uses the EPA’s average household nitrogen load, the average nitrogen reduction from Septic systems permitted and installed under current construction standards, and nitrogen reduction septic systems and existing septic systems.

The calculator is easy to use, you just enter the name of your area of interest, your estimated number of households using septic systems, and a budget.

The application also estimates the amount of household sewage waste is being pumped-n-dumped throughout your community, and how much it can cost and what performance can you expect from household nitrogen reduction strategies like septic to sewer or nitrogen reduction septic systems.

Household Nitrogen Load - 23 Lbs. Per Household

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported a per capita contribution of 9.012 lb.-N/yr. (EPA 1992) (BMAP2018). 2010 US Census Bureau 2.54 average persons per household.

Septic systems permitted and installed under current construction standards - 50% Nitrogen Reduction

A 2018 Wekiva-Area Florida Septic Tank Study; Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Advanced Septic Systems - 33% Nitrogen Reduction

2013 Florida Department of Health; Assessment of Water Quality Protection by Advanced Onsite Sewage treatment and Disposal Systems: Performance, Management, Monitoring.

Existing Septic Systems – Estimated at 25% Nitrogen Reduction

The 25% nitrogen reduction was determined from a 2012 FLORIDA SENATE BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT; “The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) statistics indicate that approximately 2 million septic systems are 20 years or older, which is the average lifespan of a septic system in Florida. Because repairs of septic systems were not regulated or permitted by the FDOH until March 1992, some septic systems may have been unlawfully repaired, modified or replaced. Furthermore, 1.3 million septic systems were installed prior to 1983. Pre-1983 septic systems were required to have a 6-inch separation from the bottom of the drainfield to the estimated seasonal high-water table. Since 1983, the standard for drainfield separation is 24 inches. This is based on the 1982 Water Quality Assurance Act and on research findings compiled by the DOH that indicate for septic tank effluent. The presence of at least 24 inches of unsaturated fine sandy soil is needed to provide a relatively high degree of treatment for pathogens and most other septic system effluent constituents. Therefore, Florida’s pre-1983 septic systems and any illegally repaired, modified or installed septic systems may not provide the same level of protection expected from systems permitted and installed under current construction standards”.