219 properties transition from aging septic systems to reliable sewer service, protecting public health and the environment
Sacramento, Calif. — In a major achievement for public health and environmental protection, the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) has connected five disadvantaged communities to reliable public sewer service, connecting 219 properties. Failing septic systems have the potential to contaminate drinking water supplies and spread infectious diseases, so the completion of this project delivers long-overdue infrastructure improvements, reduces environmental risks from aging septic systems, and strengthens long-term protection of groundwater and water quality.
Launched in 2018, SacSewer’s nationally recognized Septic-to-Sewer Program (Program) helped disadvantaged communities transition from aging septic systems to safe, reliable public sewer service. SacSewer connected homes to the public sewer system with newly constructed sewer pipes and manholes, and private septic tanks were safely decommissioned. The high-priority communities of Freeport, Hood, Franklin, Linda Manor, and Old Florin Town became project areas for the Program. The sewage from these communities is now safely being conveyed to SacSewer’s EchoWater Resource Recovery Facility.
For many residents, the transition is life changing. Some households previously limited shower time and daily water use due to deteriorating septic systems. In many cases, parcels were too small to meet current requirements for septic system disposal fields, making system replacement infeasible and financially overwhelming. Failing septic systems can pose environmental impacts, including leaks and groundwater contamination, putting these communities at high risk and in need of an improved sewage system.
“Our Septic-to-Sewer Program demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investments can protect public health and safeguard water quality while bringing long-overdue, dependable service to historically underserved communities. Transitioning from aging septic systems to public sewer service delivers a reliable means of sewage disposal and ensures long-term protection for residents and the environment,” said SacSewer’s General Manager Christoph Dobson.
Participation began with public meetings, community outreach, and surveys to gauge interest from residents and businesses in the identified communities. After majority support was confirmed, SacSewer worked one-on-one with property owners in each community to design connections, decommission septic systems, and complete on-property construction to the public sewer system.
“I worked with my father, Jose Moreno, in 1969 to install a septic tank at our home during my early childhood, and more than five decades later, this same home is now enjoying public sewer service,” said Mario Moreno, a long-time resident and member of the Hood community. “It’s a good feeling to improve what my father and I built years ago and see the progressing infrastructure of Hood.”
SacSewer’s project team secured $48 million in grant funding—the majority provided by the State of California, along with federal and Sacramento County grants—ensuring the project could move forward at no cost to residents. Additional non-rate and non-fee funding from SacSewer’s Confluence Program closed remaining funding gaps, ensuring residents received public sewer service without being subsidized by ratepayers. Property owners now benefit from dependable sewage disposal, improved protection of regional groundwater and waterways, and long-lasting infrastructure improvements. Additionally, communities at large are benefiting from newly paved roads delivered through a partnership with the Sacramento County Department of Transportation.
SacSewer continues to pursue future projects to bring safe, reliable sewage service to other communities in need. To learn more, visit sacsewer.com/septic.
