What does the conversion from septic tank to sewer mean?
While septic tanks must be manually pumped out every three to five years at the homeowner's expense, the city's central sewer system collects waste from homes and sends it to the city's wastewater treatment plant for processing.
Why should I convert my septic tank to a sewer?
Connecting to the central wastewater system reduces the algae bloom-promoting nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in the groundwater that migrate into nearby lakes, rivers and their residents and have a negative impact on their health.
Sewage treatment plants are often used where there are no central wastewater systems. When properly maintained, septic tanks are often a safe way to dispose of household waste. However, when wastewater treatment plants are installed over sand or other poor soils near the water table or open water, they can contribute to pollutant, nutrient, bacterial and viral loads in the environment. Leaking or poorly maintained tanks and defective drainage fields also pollute the water.
What are the advantages of connecting to the sewer system?
Connection to the central sewerage system offers many tangible and intangible benefits, including:
- City sewer systems are more reliable and require less maintenance from the homeowner than septic tanks.
- It is a legal requirement that septic systems be maintained at the homeowner's expense. The typical cost of pumping a septic tank is around $250 to $400 per incident. In addition, additional services and maintenance costs apply.
- The current regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment plants have become significantly more restrictive. Replacing or repairing outdated septic systems may be more expensive or may be prohibited. If your septic system fails and there is a central sewer on your property line, it is less likely that a septic tank replacement permit will be approved as it will require connection to a central sewer.
- Connecting to a central sewer system can help increase property value, particularly if a property is at risk of having a non-compliant or outdated sewage treatment plant.
- Deactivating wastewater treatment plants and connecting them to a central sewer system will reduce the impact on drinking water wells and groundwater quality. This will address concerns about possible groundwater contamination and possible enforcement actions.
- Switching to wastewater now with EPA subsidies will save you money compared to connecting later without subsidies.
What are the disadvantages of not being connected to the sewer system?
There is no obligation to connect, but if you want (or need) to do so later, you will have to cover the entire cost of the switch yourself. This can cost $12,000 or more.
If a homeowner decides to have their own connection in the future, it is the homeowner's responsibility to find a certified and licensed plumber or septic contractor to connect to the city's sewer system.
The homeowner would be responsible for paying all permit fees for inspections and plumbing completion at the Permitting Services Office.
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