Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Projects
SacSewer is helping bring sewer service to a number of local communities in the greater Sacramento region that have long relied on septic systems to dispose of sewage. Converting from septic to sewer will not only provide more reliable sewage disposal, it will also help protect the environment from old and leaking septic systems.
To build these projects, SacSewer is tapping into both federal and State of California grant programs that pay for the construction and connection costs to convert residential properties to sewer service.
For several qualified areas, residential property owners with septic systems have been presented with a potential opportunity to convert from septic to public sewer service.
Benefits
The goal of these projects is to bring reliable sewer service to the community while reducing the potential risks that aging, and in some cases failing, septic systems pose to the environment. Below are some of the key benefits of converting to sewer:
- Offers more reliable sewage disposal and requires less maintenance
- Saves property owners money compared to connecting later without grant funding
- Avoids having to comply with increasingly strict regulatory requirements for septic systems
- Removes worry about the expensive replacement or repair of old septic systems
- Likely benefits property values, especially if a property has a non-compliant or aging septic system
- Reduces the likelihood of groundwater and potable water well contamination, which could result in enforcement actions
Rates and Connection Costs
Residential property owners who choose to connect will pay SacSewer’s monthly rate of $56.85 once the project is complete and they start receiving sewer service. It is hoped that all construction and connection costs for eligible residential parcels will be fully covered by the State grant (and other funding sources, if necessary).
If a cost-share for residential owners is necessary, SacSewer will provide estimates of these costs prior to construction (and before owners commit to connecting). For non-residential parcels (e.g, businesses) within the project area, there may be an opportunity to connect, but owners will need to pay some or all of the connection costs.
What to Expect During Construction
Before construction, contractors will coordinate with owners to minimize potential impacts and preserve important landscaping features, whenever possible. Construction contractors will restore conditions to as good as (or better) than before. Existing septic tanks will be emptied, disabled, and filled with material to avoid reuse in the future. Septic systems will NOT be removed—they will be abandoned in place.
Current Projects
Key Updates
Funding Status: SacSewer is still working to secure funding for the construction of the Old Florin Town septic-to-sewer conversion project. Most residents have already expressed interest in connecting. In the meantime, design work is well underway in order to meet strict deadlines for project completion.
Participation: Participation is non-binding until you sign a sewer agreement before construction. Signing a permit-to-enter and giving the design consultant access to look at your property will simply ensure your property is included in the design of the project.
There is no obligation to connect, but if you want (or are required) to do so later, you will have to pay for the conversion cost yourself. This can cost $12,000 or more.
Map
Timeline
- Complete design plans: Early 2024
- Funding agreement with State (anticipated): Spring 2024
- Start construction: Summer 2024
- Complete construction: Late 2025
Funding
At this time, the State grant program only funds residential connections and is anticipated to cover most, if not all, of the residential connection costs. This community project is a “turnkey” project, which means SacSewer will use the grant funding to provide all the necessary services to build the project, including preparing the design, acquiring the permits, and hiring and managing the construction contractor.
Materials
Informational Sheets
Key Updates
Participation: Participation is non-binding until you sign a sewer agreement before construction. Signing a permit-to-enter and giving the design consultant access to look at your property will simply ensure your property is included in the design of the project.
There is no obligation to connect, but if you want (or are required) to do so later, you will have to pay for the conversion cost yourself. This can cost $12,000 or more.
Map
Timeline
- Funding agreement with State: Complete
- Complete design plans: Early 2024
- Start construction: Summer 2024
- Complete construction: Late 2025
Funding
Grant funding for this project has been secured from the state, which is anticipated to cover all of the residential connection costs. This community project is a “turnkey” project, which means SacSewer will use the grant funding to provide all the necessary services to build the project, including preparing the design, acquiring the permits, and hiring and managing the construction contractor.
Materials
Informational Sheets
Key Updates
Funding Status: SacSewer is still working to secure funding for the construction of the Hood septic-to-sewer conversion project. Most residents have already expressed interest in connecting. In the meantime, design work is well underway in order to meet strict deadlines for project completion.
Participation: Participation is non-binding until you sign a sewer agreement before construction. Signing a permit-to-enter and giving the design consultant access to look at your property will simply ensure your property is included in the design of the project.
There is no obligation to connect, but if you want (or are required) to do so later, you will have to pay for the conversion cost yourself. This can cost $18,000 or more.
Map
Timeline
- Complete design plans: Early 2024
- Funding agreement with State (anticipated): Summer 2024
- Start construction: Fall 2024
- Complete construction: Late 2025
Funding
While projected funding shortfalls initially made the project’s viability uncertain, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help offset the costs of design and engineering. As a result, SacSewer is now proceeding with the design phase for the project in order to meet strict deadlines for project completion. State grant funding for the construction phase is still pending approval.
At this time, the State grant program only funds residential connections and is anticipated to cover most, if not all, of the residential connection costs. This community project is a “turnkey” project, which means SacSewer will use the grant funding to provide all the necessary services to build the project, including preparing the design, acquiring the permits, and hiring and managing the construction contractor.
Materials
Informational Sheets
Key Updates
Funding Status: SacSewer is still working to secure funding for the construction of the Franklin septic-to-sewer conversion project. Most residents have already expressed interest in connecting. In the meantime, design work is well underway in order to meet strict deadlines for project completion.
Participation: Participation is non-binding until you sign a sewer agreement before construction. Signing a permit-to-enter and giving the design consultant access to look at your property will simply ensure your property is included in the design of the project.
There is no obligation to connect, but if you want (or are required) to do so later, you will have to pay for the conversion cost yourself. This can cost $18,000 or more.
Map
Timeline
- Complete design plans: Early 2024
- Funding agreement with State (anticipated): Spring 2024
- Start construction: Fall 2024
- Complete construction: Late 2025
Funding
At this time, the State grant program only funds residential connections and is anticipated to cover most, if not all, of the residential connection costs. This community project is a “turnkey” project, which means SacSewer will use the grant funding to provide all the necessary services to build the project, including preparing the design, acquiring the permits, and hiring and managing the construction contractor.
Contact the Septic-to-Sewer Team
Septic-To-Sewer Contact Form
Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Contact Form
The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is currently working on several community septic-to-sewer conversion projects. You can use this form to submit comments or questions regarding your community’s project.
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