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1. What does the Town consider to be a failed or malfunctioning septic system?

Even with proper maintenance, a septic system can fail and/or malfunction. A malfunctioning system includes a system that is causing a nuisance or is not operating in compliance with the State and Town regulations. By recognizing the signs early, potential failures, along with environmental hazards and financial woes, can be minimized. Below are some key factors in recognizing a malfunctioning system.

• Water backing up into the house or yard.
• If there is more water entering the septic system than the system can handle, water can/will back up into the easiest places, such as homes and yards.
• Foul odors can be an indicator of septic failure or malfunction. If foul odors are noted in the drain or application field, around the tanks, etc., contact your licensed maintenance provider immediately.
• Damp, wet areas, pooling, or ponding in the drain field or spongy, bright, green grass in the area of the drain field or spray heads could be a sign of a damaged or failed drain line or damaged spray heads. Many times, this can be caused by driving or mowing over the area and damaging the lines or spray application heads.
• An alarm will sound at the point of failure for certain types of systems. Alarm notifications will be triggered on the control panel. This is a definite sign that the system is in need of maintenance or repair.
• Regular, routine maintenance and inspections, including regular pumping and cleaning, help to reduce the likelihood of system failure.

2. How many septic systems are currently failing in the Sunrise Circle area?

One. The Town is currently working with the property owner on replacement of their system. Since the system was determined to be failing, the property owner has worked to keep the tanks pumped out to prevent water surfacing. This mitigation strategy may be used temporarily for septic systems until they can be replaced.

3. What happens if my septic system fails, and I cannot afford to replace it?

The Town understands the burden replacing a septic system can place on property owners. The Town’s policy is to work with property owners on a strategy to first mitigate any public health concerns while looking for a permanent solution. In an effort to eliminate any immediate health concern, an owner may be allowed to have the system pumped until it can be repaired or replaced. The Town can provide a list of registered septic contractors that the property owner can contact for quotes for replacement.

4. If the Town extends sewer to just inside the neighborhood, will the Town force me to extend sewer if my septic system needs repair or fails, and I’m within 300 feet of the sewer line?

An owner may make necessary repairs at any time. If the septic system has failed, the owner will be required to connect to the sewer line.

5. If the Town does not proceed with any sewer extension project, will the Town force me to extend sewer if my septic system needs repair or fails?

No. An owner may use, repair, and replace the septic system as necessary.

6. What is the cost to properly abandon a septic system?

The Town recommends that you obtain multiple estimates from qualified contractors. Each situation will be different, but you can plan on the cost to properly abandon a septic system to range between $1,000 - $2,000. 

7. What is the cost to extend the Town's sewer to my lot?

Without specific details of your circumstances, it’s extremely difficult to provide an estimated cost, and the Town recommends that you obtain multiple estimates from qualified contractors. Each situation will be different, but you can plan on the cost to extend a public sewer system to range between $50 to $120 per linear foot. Cost estimates will increase with bores, the addition of manholes, and addressing unforeseen conflicts that may be present in the Town’s right-of-way.

8. What is the cost to connect my home to the Town's sewer?

Without specific details of your circumstances, it’s extremely difficult to provide an estimated cost, and the Town recommends that you obtain multiple estimates from qualified contractors.  The Town reached out to plumbers to obtain a general ballpark estimate, and you can expect the cost to range between $200 to $400 per liner foot. Cost estimates will fluctuate based on where the private sewer line must connect to your home, the depth of the Town’s sewer line in the right-of-way, and any unforeseen conflicts in your yard. The Town maintains a list of registered contractors where you can search for plumbers that can provide cost estimates specific to your situation.  

9. What other costs are there to connect to the Town's sewer system?

Aside from the private costs to abandon the septic system and install the private plumbing from the house to the Town’s sewer system, there is also a $467 impact fee.