KNOW THE FACTS!

Benefits of Connecting to the Sanitary Sewer

Connecting to the sanitary sewer benefits not only property owners, but the community as well.

 

Benefits to you and your community:

  • Cleaner waterways and local environment.
  • Improved protection of drinking and surface water.
  • Reduced occurrence of foul/septic odors.
  • Cost savings over routine maintenance, service, repair and operating cost of an onsite Sewage Treatment System (STS).
  • Elimination of dampness and/or seepage from the STS.
  • Property becomes more marketable to a wider percentage of the population, which can result in an increased property value.
  • Cost savings over replacing or updating the STS to meet the current standards.
  • Fewer disease carrying mosquitoes.
  • Reduced risks to public health.

 

What else to consider?

Entire STSs or their components often wear out and can have several common problems such as:

  • High Operating Costs – For many STSs, these can include routine pump-out charges, electrical usage costs, service/replacement costs for mechanical components and additional maintenance/permit costs.
  • Poor Wet Weather Performance – Many older homes have their downspouts, footer tiles, and/or area drains improperly connected to the STS. Additionally absorption fields of older STSs are not typically sized for water logged ground conditions.
  • Improper Maintenance – When improperly maintained, STSs will release excessive bacteria, viruses, solids, nutrients, grease and other contaminants into the environment, causing premature failure of absorption fields and/or pollution of surface and groundwater.
  • Odors – From pumping out sewage tanks or poorly maintained or failing STSs.
  • Site Limitations – Prevents home additions, construction of outbuildings or other upgrades to property since the STS would need updated or replaced.
  • High Replacement Cost – Today’s STSs must meet more stringent standards than existing systems met when they were installed. Materials, labor and equipment costs are higher, which leads to increased installation costs and operation/maintenance costs.

 

Questions

For more information about connecting to sanitary sewers, contact the Water Quality Division at 513-946-7966 or the Metropolitan Sewer District at 513-557-5914.

 

Download a printable version of this fact sheet here.

 

250 William Howard Taft Road
2nd Floor, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Phone 513.946.7800 Fax 513.946.7890
hamiltoncountyhealth.org