Buying Key West Real Estate - Things to know
Search Key West real
estate listings
Find your dream home, condo or luxury estate in the Florida Keys
| FLORIDA KEYS Buyer Information |
Waste Disposal in Key West - Waste Management
Sewers
Key West has had municipal sewers since the 1940’s. Typically, homes throughout the rest of Monroe County utilize either a septic tank or an aerobic treatment system for their waste disposal.
Most of the KW sewers were built in 1940’s. Therefore, the City is upgrading that sewer system at this time. Within the City of Key West, please be advised that all properties have been mandated to be inspected and if found faulty, to have their sewer laterals (the lines going to the street) repaired or replaced. In most cases, the cost is borne by the property owner. For more information, call 292-5600, the Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
Except for Key West and prior to July 11, 1997, septic systems were the common form of waste disposal for single family homes throughout the Florida Keys. After this date, permits were only issued for ‘aerobic’ treatment systems, which is a more efficient method of treating waste than the standard septic system. So, older homes will have septic systems and newer ones will have aerobic systems. For explanations on the differences of the two systems, click here (link). Before purchasing a home in the Florida Keys, be sure to have the waste system thoroughly inspected for integrity.
To improve and preserve water quality in the Florida Keys, unincorporated Monroe County has taken steps to upgrade to central sewer systems as per a Florida State mandate to be completed by 2010. The reasoning behind this is to prevent faulty septic systems from leaching into our waterways and upsetting the fragile ecosystem surrounding the Florida Keys. The only living reef in North America is located right off of the Florida Keys, and this will help to keep it alive. Some islands have already installed sewer treatment plants. Others are scheduled, and some are not scheduled yet. For more information call Monroe County health Department 289-2450 or the Florida Department of health at 305-293-7511.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
