Homeowners in Riverside County’s Quail Valley community will see failing septic systems converted to sewer

By Best Plumbers On Aug 27, 2024

QUAIL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. (KBC) — The Quail Valley community in Menifee is known for its rolling hills and roaming quail, but during heavy rains, the scent of the surrounding sagebrush isn't in the air.

“The septic tanks are filling up and you can just smell everyone's septic tanks,” said resident Debra Mancini.

For years, defective septic tanks have caused raw sewage to enter yards and streets, causing not only odor nuisance but also posing a threat to public health.

“The sewage systems are failing and the water is flowing downstream to Canyon Lake, a reservoir that serves as drinking water for everyone,” said Congressman Ken Calvert of Corona.

Calvert has so far received $9 million in federal funding for the septic-to-sewer conversion project in Quail Valley, led by the Eastern Municipal Water District.

“We will build a collection system within the streets and then convert the septic tanks in every single house into a sewer system,” said Joe Mouawd, general manager of the Eastern Municipal Water District.

The financing also helps waive the connection fee that is normally charged to homeowners.

Quail Valley will not be the only community to benefit from the infrastructure improvements. Communities downstream will also benefit.

“By converting the homes from septic tanks to sewer systems, any risk of contamination of Canyon Lake could be avoided,” Mouawd said.

The project, which is scheduled to start early next year, will see 250 apartments converted.

“We can't wait. Can't wait. Disposal is expensive. It costs almost $400, depending on how big your tank is,” Mancini said.

Your neighbor across the street has no problems with his septic tanks, but is happy to be able to offload his sewer fees.

“I would like that because then I wouldn’t have to pay to have the septic tank pumped out twice a year,” says Dennis Rasmussen.