Is the District planning to put sewers into my neighborhood?
The District is developing a plan that would guide installation of sewers into all urban areas. The plan provides where and how sewers may be installed. The plan does not contain a schedule for when sewers will be installed into specific areas.
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I want to connect to sewers, but they are not installed in my neighborhood. How can I get sewers installed?
If a majority (60%) of your neighborhood wants to have sewers installed they can petition the District. Then a Utility Local Improvement District (ULID) can be formed, and the District will have the new sewer system designed and installed. The cost of the sewer installation is then assessed against all of the properties that can get sewer service from the new system.
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If sewers are installed in my neighborhood, am I required to connect?
In most cases, no. However, if your house was built after 1994 there may be a Future Sewer Connection Agreement associated with the property that would require connection.
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I am going to build a new house, do I need to connect to sewer?
If there is sewer within 200 feet of your property you would be required to connect. This requirement is specified in King County Board of Health Code,Title 13. 04.050
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I am going to remodel my house, do I need to connect to sewer?
Maybe. This decision is in the jurisdiction of the King County Health Department. If sewer service is available (within 200 feet of the property) and the remodel would require a modification or expansion of the existing drainfield system, then connection to the sewer would probably be required.
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My house will be difficult to sewer by gravity piping. How will I get service?
If the District can not provide gravity sewer service to your house a pressure system will be used. Individual Grinder Pump systems are normally used in these situations.
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The standard District grinder pump system includes a 3 foot diameter pump chamber and pump located outside of the house. There are controls and an alarm system provided with the grinder pump system, and it serves only one house. Power to the grinder pump system is provided by the homeowner.

The District maintains the grinder pump systems and is on call 24 hours a day.
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Can I get District sewer service, but continue to obtain water from my own well?
Yes, you may have District sewer service and water service from an individual or group water system. However, since the District's sewer rates are based on water use, an average water use rate will be assumed in setting the sewer rate.
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What is a Future Sewer Connection Agreement, and do I need one?
A Future Sewer Connection Agreement is required for new construction in the urban area when sewer service is not yet available. Septic systems are allowed in those situations, but are considered temporary systems.
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How much does sewer service cost?
Sewer service to the average lot in the District costs between $15,000 and $20,000 per house. The standard sewer connection fees and charges for service once connected are provided on a separate sheet.

Other costs associated with sewer service that are not paid to the District:

• King County Wastewater Treatment Capacity Charge: = $18.00/month for 15 years.
  This charge will be increased to $34.05/month for 15 years on January 1, 2005.
• Side Sewer Installation costs: This is the cost of installing the pipe connecting the house to the sewer main. These vary depending on the specific requirements for each house, such as the length between the house and the sewer main and the amount of restoration work that will be necessary after the sewer is connected.

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Can I connect my roof and footing drains into the sewer system?
No. It is illegal to connect roof or footing drains, or any storm drainage, to the sanitary sewer system.
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How leaky are the District's sewers and what is the District doing about it?
The District's sewers are generally in good shape and not considered leaky.

In most cases a "leaky" gravity system does not lead to sewage leaking into the ground, but groundwater entering the sewer system. This is called Infiltration and Inflow, or I/I.

The District has been doing flow monitoring as part of this Comprehensive Plan to identify if there are any areas where identification and repair of leaks into the system is necessary. The District is also participating in a King County wide I/I reduction program that is currently underway.
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What is the District's policy on odor control?
The District works to reduce odors associated with sewers through a variety of actions. Odors most frequently develop when sewage sits in the sewer system. This happens when the pumps in the system turn off as part of their normal operating cycle.

The District is working to alleviate the odor that can be generated by these situations by using filters to filter the odors, a bioxide additive that counteracts the odor causing elements, as well as by adjusting the operating schedules to keep the sewage flowing.
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I have a septic system, where can I get information on how to take care of my septic system?
The King County Health Department has information on the care of septic systems. You may contact the East District at 206-296-4932.

The District can provide questionnaires to assist you in determining the level of interest in your neighborhood.

If a majority of your neighbors are not interested in having sewers installed, but you still want to extend them to your property, it can be done through a Developer Extension Agreement. A Developer Extension Agreement differs from a ULID because the Developer is responsible for the design and installation, and paying for installation of the sewer system. If the sewer system can provide service to other properties, a reimbursement agreement can be executed to collect a pro-rata share of the cost of sewer installation when the properties are connected to the system.
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