9 Investigates the effects of uninspected septic systems on the environment

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.

The state of Florida is facing a lawsuit over unregulated septic systems near the Indian River Lagoon.

Investigative reporter Christopher Heath asked looked into the possible long-term dangers if Florida doesn't enforce its rules.

Derek Woodruff of Brownie's Septic & Plumbing is the last man most homeowners want to see standing in their front yard. That is, until something goes wrong.

"Sometimes you won't know you have a problem until you get some saturation or smell out in the yard," said Woodruff.

Woodruff showed Heath a septic system where roots found their way. Woodruff said it's unknown how much waste escaped before he and his crew arrived.

Without inspections there is no way to know if a septic system is about to fail, until it does.

"You got several thousand (septic systems) just in the city of Orlando that are failing every year and that's not counting the ones that are failed and not being repaired," said Mark Barhonovich of Brownie's Septic & Plumbing.

In 2010, the Florida Legislature mandated septic inspections to be performed every five years starting in 2016.

But, amid pressure from realtors, home builders and home owners, counties were given an opt-out. Every county has since, opted out.

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9 Investigates the effects of uninspected septic systems on the environment