Rio Vista - Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Updates

Rainbow River - Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Updates

Rainbow River – Rio Vista Septic to Sewer
Latest news and updates.

Project Information

Summary–Under the DUP15 (Rio Vista Septic to Sewer) project, FGUA will provide a central sewer collection system in and around the Rio Vista service area inclusive of a gravity sewer mains, low pressure mains, onsite sewer laterals, grinder pump stations on properties requiring them and abandonment of existing septic tanks.
Project Funding –Funding is provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) agency’s Springs Funding Grant in the amount of $10.8 million.
What it is going to cost you –The new central sewer system, onsite facilities, abandonment of existing septic tanks and sewer impact fees are sponsored by the FDEP grant. There would be no direct cost for the transition of wastewater service , but will require a monthly sewer service charge. All residents can connect to the new central at no cost. If a connection is refused, a mandatory connection deadline will be enforced at the customers full expense to install and abandon their residential sewer.
Access Agreement needed – Property owners’ signatures are required for temporary property access for construction activities associated with the installation of the new grinder pump stations, low pressure force mains to the edge of the County’s right-of-way (ROW), construction of the onsite sewer lateral and abandonment of existing septic tanks.
Permanent Easements – FGUA will require permanent easements for maintenance of the grinder pump stations and low-pressure force mains to the edge of ROW.
Construction –Construction is anticipated to commence early 2027.

FGUA Contacts– Please see below.

Phone: 352-633-9700 Ext. 1110
Project Manager: Mike Whitfield – Mike.Whitfield@fgua.com

Figure 2: Typical Gravity Sewer Connection to Central Sewer

Figure 3: Typical Grinder Pump Station Installation

Click on document image to VIEW or DOWNLOAD

News & Announcements

Rainbow River/Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Capital Improvement Project – Community Meeting Summary (September 24, 2026)

Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project – Community Meeting Summary (September 24, 2026)

View/Download the presentation from that meeting

Rainbow River/Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Capital Improvement Project – Community Meeting Summary (September 24, 2026)

The FGUA held a community meeting on September 24, 2026, at Dunnellon City Hall to provide residents with updates on the Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project. The project team reviewed the project timeline and status, discussed instillation, and outlined the next steps for property owners, including best ways to receive communication and updates regarding this project.

Attendees were able to ask general questions, and additional questions requiring follow-up were documented by the FGUA’s Capital Improvement Project team. Onsite notary services were also available to assist property owners in completing their required project documents during the meeting.

The project team is currently reviewing the questions received, and any finalized Q&A materials will be shared as they become available. FGUA appreciates the participation of the community and the continued support of the City of Dunnellon.

If you would like to receive updates regarding this project, please submit a customer information form: www.fgua.com/rv/rio-vista-customer-info-form/

ORIGINAL COMMUNITY MEETING INVITATION

Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project
Phase 1 & Phase 2 Customers

Dear Rio Vista Phase 1 and Phase 2 Customers,

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) invites you to attend a Community Meeting regarding the Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project.

This meeting is an opportunity for FGUA to provide residents with an update on the project, including the anticipated timeline, recent progress, and upcoming activities for Phases 1 and 2.

FGUA representatives will be available to answer questions and provide clarification regarding the project as we continue moving forward with this important community improvement. We encourage property owners to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to receive information directly from the project team.

Meeting Details
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Dunnellon City Hall
Address: 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon, FL 34431

We look forward to meeting with you, providing the latest information, and working together as we
move this important community project forward.

View/Download COMMUNITY MEETING INVITATION

Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Capital Improvement Project – Community Meeting Summary (November 6, 2025)

Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project – Community Meeting Summary
(November 6, 2025)

View/Download the presentation from that meeting
View/Download Rio Vista FAQs from meeting

The FGUA held a community meeting on November 6, 2025, at Dunnellon City Hall to provide residents with updates on the Rainbow River / Rio Vista Septic-to-Sewer Project. The project team reviewed the project timeline and current status, discussed the required Easement Agreements and Purchase & Sale Agreements, and outlined the next steps for property owners, including what to expect during construction and potential impacts.

Attendees were able to ask general questions, and additional questions requiring follow-up were documented by the team. Onsite notary services were also available, and several property owners completed their required project documents during the meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the project’s scope? The new central sewer system will include approximately 24,600 linear feet of gravity sewer mains, 4,520 linear feet of sewer force main, 3 lift stations, 15,630 linear feet of low-pressure force main, 133 grinder pump stations, abandonment of existing septic tanks and 301 properties will be connected to the FGUA centralized sewer system.

What are the project boundaries: See the figure below for the project boundaries.

Figure 4: Rio Vista Septic to Sewer Project Boundaries

Project Owner: FGUA
Funding: FDEP Springs Grant in the amount of $10.8 million
Total Cost of Project: The current estimated construction and technical services associated with the design and construction is approximately $32 million.
Project Phases: Due to funding limitations, the project will be required to be bid and constructed in phases. FGUA anticipates constructed the grinder pump stations and low-pressure force mains as Phase I. Subsequent phases will include the central gravity sewer and associated lift stations.
Will a lien be placed on my home associated with the project? This project, including the residential grinder pump stations and restoration, will be provided to property owners at no cost. In such, no lien can or will be placed on properties within the project boundaries related to the project.
FGUA Project Manager: Mike Whitfield
Project Consultant/Engineering of Record: During design: Wade Trim, Inc. During construction: GAI Consultants.
Contractor: To-be-determined.
Start of Project Design: May 2023.
Estimated Completion of Design Project: Completed.
Will work be performed in the right of way areas in the Rio Vista community? Yes.
Is maintenance of traffic provided? Yes.
Are there plans available for the residents and public to see? Please refer to the Project Information tab in this website.
Will there be any disturbances in the right of way areas? Yes.
Will the disturbance in the right of way areas get restored to original condition? Yes.
Will work be performed in owner’s property? Yes.
What type of work will be performed in owner’s property? Each property will require construction of grinder pumps station and associated electrical and controls components and the low-pressure force main to the edge of the County’s ROW. For other homes, the construction contractor will intercept the existing house drain between the home and the septic tank and extend the sewer line to the edge of ROW. All houses will have their existing septic tanks abandoned in accordance with local and state Department of Health requirements.
Does the owner need to pay for the above work? Funding for the project will be provided by the FDEP springs grant.
Will the areas disturb from installation of onsite facilities in the owner’s property restored to original condition? Yes.
Will a shut off valve be provided to shut off sewage flow to the central sewer system? Yes, shutoff valves will be provided at the edge of right-of-way for the properties with grinder pump stations.
Will the owner be notified before construction work is performed in the owner’s property? Door tags for upcoming work will be provided at a minimum of one week before the contractor enters the home owners’ sites. Also, owners will be notified 24 hours before work in the property commences.
Is the owner exposed to any liability while work is being carried out in their property. Property owner’s will not be liability for project work being provided by the construction contractor. Additionally, owners will have to provide temporary access agreements for onsite construction activities.
What are the benefits that this project will provide the homeowners? By abandoning septic tanks along the Rainbow River, there will be a decreased pollutant loading on the River and surrounding ground water. Additionally, having central sewer in lieu of a septic tank adds value to resident’s properties.
What is required from the homeowner? Documentation is needed for each property to allow access to perform work and maintain equipment.
When does the access agreement need to be signed? As soon as possible.
Is the owner required to sign the agreement. Yes.
What happens if the owner does not sign the access agreement? It will delay installation of the onsite sewer connection to the new central sewer system. In addition, the homeowner will not gain the benefits described in FAQ No. XX. Additionally, in accordance with FAC 381.00655.1(a) property owners must connect to a new central system within 365 days of notice of its availability.
Where can I find and sign the access agreement form? FGUA is working on updating the access agreement forms specific to this project. One the forms have been approved for distribution; they will become available online.
Will my sewer be available during construction? Sewer service at individual properties will remain in service while the central sewer system is construction. A short sewer outage will be required at each property as needed to connect the property to the new central sewer system.
Will there be a public meeting held?
Previous community meetings have been held throughout the project. Future meetings will be announced on this website and, in some cases, via mailings, emails, and phone messages to those who have expressed interest in receiving updates.
If you have any questions that were not addressed in this FAQ, please call 352-633-9700 Ext 1110

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