Sanitary Sewer Agreement

  • 05/11/2022

Sanitary Sewer Agreement: What You Need to Know

Sanitary sewer agreements are legal documents that establish the terms and conditions for the use of a sanitary sewer system. These agreements are typically signed between the municipality that owns and operates the sewer system and property owners who connect to the system.

The purpose of a sanitary sewer agreement is to ensure that the sewer system operates efficiently and effectively, while protecting public health and the environment. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the municipality and the property owner, as well as the terms and conditions for the use of the sewer system.

Here are some key things to know about sanitary sewer agreements:

1. Connection Fees

One of the most important provisions in a sanitary sewer agreement is the connection fee. This fee is charged to property owners who wish to connect to the sewer system and is used to offset the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the system.

Connection fees can vary depending on the size of the property and the amount of waste that will be generated. It is important to review the agreement carefully to understand how the connection fee is calculated and how it will be charged.

2. Maintenance and Repair

Sanitary sewer agreements typically outline the responsibility of the municipality and the property owner for the maintenance and repair of the system. The municipality is usually responsible for maintaining and repairing the main sewer lines, while property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their individual connections to the system.

It is important to understand what types of maintenance and repairs are covered under the agreement, as well as who is responsible for the cost of any necessary repairs.

3. Use Restrictions

Sanitary sewer agreements may also include use restrictions, such as limitations on the types of waste that can be discharged into the system. These restrictions are designed to protect the environment and prevent damage to the sewer system.

It is important to carefully review these use restrictions to ensure compliance. Violations of the use restrictions can result in fines or other penalties.

4. Termination

Sanitary sewer agreements typically include provisions for termination. Property owners may wish to terminate the agreement if they no longer wish to connect to the sewer system, or if they sell their property.

It is important to understand the process for terminating the agreement, as well as any fees or penalties that may be associated with termination.

In conclusion, a sanitary sewer agreement is an important legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for the use of a sewer system. If you are a property owner who is considering connecting to the sewer system, it is important to carefully review the agreement and understand your responsibilities and obligations under the agreement. This will help ensure that the system operates efficiently and effectively, while protecting public health and the environment.