The City has a hybrid system where part of the properties are served by what is commonly known as conventional sewer and some have the effluent system (septic tanks for holding solids).
Conventional Sewer: This is where developments (businesses or residences) have an outlet which connects to the system at the property line.
City Responsibility: The City is responsible to ensure the property has a clean connection at the property line for the property to connect with. Once in the sewer mainline it is the City’s responsibility to maintain the system and equipment that is in the right-of-way and on public property.
Property Owner/Renter Responsibility: Property owner/renter is to ensure plumbing is correctly installed and maintained on their respective property. This will include a clean-out and ensure no Fats, Oils, Greases (FOG), plastic, chemicals, toys, diapers and any sort of trash such as wipe ups or cigarette butts enter the sewer system. Charges will apply for wrongful discharges.
Effluent Sewer (septic tank): This part of the system is where properties have a septic tank located on the property. This tank holds the solids with the “black” water being gravity drained or pumped to the city main system.
City Responsibility: The City is responsible from the inlet baffle of the septic tank to the mainline in the public right-of-way. Tanks are cleaned, pumped and serviced on a 5-year rotation. Some tanks may require more frequent servicing. Some systems have a pump (power and breaker system) that is maintained by the City.
Property Owner/Renter Responsibility: Property owner/renter is to ensure plumbing is correctly installed, which includes a cleanout, from the structure/home to the inlet baffle of the (septic) tank. No Fats, Oils, Greases, plastic, chemicals, toys, diapers and any sort of trash such as wipe ups, cigarette butts are to enter the sewer system (septic tank). Charges will apply for wrongful discharges. Trees and shrubs should not be planted close to interfere with the operation of the system (a minimum of 5 feet from the tank and discharge lines should be followed). At no time can anything be built over the fill-line, tank or discharge line. Remember – 2 table spoons of Drain”O” can kill your septic tank!!!
What if I am selling my property?
Home Sale Sewer inspections can be done for a fee on request to those who have the Effluent City Sewer System.
What if I have a Sewer Emergency?
If you are on the conventional sewer system it is the responsibility of the property owner/renter to call a plumber and pay the bill. The City does not take responsibility for blockages and clogs on the private property.
If the property is serviced by the Effluent system the City will respond as rapidly as possible. The City will inspect and determine if the problem lays within City responsibility. If any blockage, clog, FOG, or wrongful call out the City will charge the property a minimum of $126.00. The best time to call is within regular business hours. After hours may cost the property if not the City’s responsibility.