Septic Elimination Program (SEP)
The District is an active partner in the community, protecting our water resources. There are roughly 6,000 existing septic systems throughout our service area, including 40 residential neighborhoods. Many of these systems are reaching the end of their useful life and are beginning to fail. Failing or improperly functioning onsite septic systems represent a potential risk or threat to the natural environment. The District’s SEP program was developed in 2008 to address the long-standing challenge of aging septic systems in urban neighborhoods. The SEP program aims to mitigate long-term environmental risks and provide homeowners a more affordable opportunity to connect to public sewer.
By extending public sewer, we are allowing for the abandonment of the septic systems and reducing the long term risks to our environment. Participation in the program, e.g., hooking up to the sewer, remains voluntary, and each homeowner makes the decision that is best for them. Since the program’s inception, the District has invested more than $6 Million, completing 13 projects that have provided service to more than 400 residences.
“This is a legacy issue. Urban neighborhoods in our service area contain approximately 1,400 septic systems that are reaching the end of their useful life.”
SEP Neighborhood Projects
The District has identified more than 40 SEP project areas and neighborhoods, including over 1,500 aging and sometimes failing septic systems. Limited space in urban residential settings leaves homeowners with expensive septic system repair options, averaging around $25,000 according to Clark County Public Health. The District prioritizes SEP projects for low-income homeowners and sensitive environmental areas.
Using an established set of criteria, the District evaluates the individual SEP areas and identifies the highest-priority projects to be included for design and delivery. SEP projects are evaluated considering three criteria: public health, environmental protection and community equity. The District works closely with Clark County Public Health to identify neighborhoods with failing systems. The documented level of interest and support from neighborhood property owners is also considered. Owners are encouraged to contact the District to express their support for their neighborhood project.
Septic Elimination Program – Project Priorities
| Subdivision/Area | Estimated Project Cost | No. Parcels | Estimated Local Facilities Charge | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace Heights | $3,227,000 | 59 | $54,695 | 1 |
| Larkada Rolling Meadows | $1,324,000 | 26 | $50,923 | 2 |
| Windmere | $665,000 | 14 | $47,500 | 3 |
| Mesa Verde | $823,000 | 15 | $54,867 | 4 |
| North Columbia Gardens | $647,000 | 10 | $64,700 | 5 |
| Pruitts Addition | $5,185,000 | 135 | $38,407 | 6 |
| Myeth (NW 114th St 3rd Ave) | $592,000 | 8 | $74,000 | 7 |
| Columbia Gardens 6 | $755,000 | 11 | $68,636 | 8 |
| Norvue Acres | $464,000 | 8 | $58,000 | 9 |
| Stutz Road | $1,522,000 | 24 | $63,417 | 10 |
SEP Project Costs
The costs for the construction of the sewers are paid for by the benefiting properties when they connect to sewer. While the District fronts the cost of the project, ultimately, the costs are recorded and assessed to the properties as a Local Facilities Charge (LFC). Actual project costs will vary given the differences in project complexities, size and timing. The District is also actively seeking and applying for state and federal funding to help aid in lowering the cost and making the connection to sewer more accessible. The District has recently been successful and received partial funding for two projects. When homeowners connect, they pay the LFC for the SEP project, a permit fee, and the standard system development charge.
“SEP Projects are a win for the whole community. It protects our water resources and addresses a potential public health hazard. Homeowners shouldn’t have to carry the entire financial burden to receive sewer service, and we appreciate and need the continued support of our state and federal partners for the Septic Elimination Program to be successful.”
SEP Project History
The program was started in 2008. Since then, the District has completed 13 projects that have provided service to more than 400 residences.
| Project Name | Year Completed | Project Cost | Parcels | LFC Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | 2010 | $499,992 | 97 | $8,010 |
| Diamond Willow | 2013 | $223,492 | 17 | $8,720 |
| Hazel Dell Avenue North | 2013 | $213,282 | 13 | $8,122 |
| Erin Way | 2013 | $167,446 | 13 | $15,346 |
| NW 11th/16th Avenue | 2014 | $283,829 | 27 | $11,064 |
| Glenmar | 2014 | $772,682 | 10 | $5,752 |
| Lalonde | 2016 | $273,590 | 28 | $7,359 |
| Wooded Acres | 2016 | $442,302 | 65 | $5,849 |
| Morrow CGI | 2017 | $38,181 | 3 | $13,725 |
| NW Overlook Drive | 2017 | $119,245 | 10 | $17,708 |
| NE 94th Avenue Truck | 2017 | $126,405 | 9 | $10,664 |
| Tay Terrace | 2020 | $802,741 | 48 | $19,018 |
| Curtin Creek Phase 1* | 2024 | $2,294,838 | 77 | $9,532 |
| Totals | $6,258,025 | 417 | $10,836** |
*Project received $1.6M in state and federal grant funds.
**Average LFC for the projects.
SEP Incentives
The cost of connecting to sewer can be a barrier for many homeowners. While the District actively seeks funding to lower the project costs for homeowners, it also offers program incentives to help homeowners get connected. Thirty percent (30%) of the local facilities charge (LFC) is deferred if homeowners sign a contract to connect to sewer within one year from final acceptance of the SEP project. Homeowners also have the option to finance the connection costs with the District and pay the fee over time.
“We are glad that we finally have sanitary sewer. We were good and ready. The savings due to the funding and the District incentive were a big plus. We are very happy.”
Active Projects
Wallace Heights SEP Project
| Traffic Impacts | Moderate |
| Contractor | TBD |
| Size | 67 Properties |
| Location | South of NE 112th Street, north of NE 106th Street between NE Stutz Road and NE 8th Avenue |