The Domestic Wastewater Program's Mission
To improve the effective conveyance and treatment of domestic wastewater through licensing of soundly engineered collection/transmission and treatment systems, creating a platform for addressing countywide domestic wastewater issues and fostering creative problem solving within and among domestic wastewater service areas.
About the Domestic Wastewater Program
The Broward County Domestic Wastewater Program is responsible for licensing all construction of community domestic wastewater collection/transmission system expansion as delegated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and wastewater treatment facilities as required under Broward County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 27, Article V. These facilities, if properly constructed, sized, operated and maintained, prevent the release of untreated wastewater (raw sewage) into Broward County 's ground and surface waters.
Program staff conducts regulatory activities in a responsive, service-oriented and flexible manner resulting in properly constructed, operated and maintained domestic wastewater systems which provide a high level of protection for the environment. Program staff also coordinates its activities with the Broward County Health Department, FDEP, local utilities, and others governmental entities.
What is Domestic Wastewater?
Every time you flush your toilet, wash your hands, turn on the dishwasher or do your laundry, you are creating domestic wastewater.
Before 1950, all domestic wastewater was disposed of through septic systems or direct discharge of treated waste to area waterways. Today, while some Broward residents still use septic tanks, most households are connected through the sanitary sewers to a local utility's sewage treatment plant. Maintenance of the lateral pipe running from the home to sewer service and/or of a septic system is generally the homeowner's responsibility.