Sewer Connection Assistance Program
As part of its ongoing commitment to provide affordable programs for its utility customers, Your Own Utilities has begun a sewer connection assistance program. Homeowners, inside the city limits, who qualify, based on annual household income, can abandon their septic tanks and hook up to the city's sewer system. This can save a customer approximately $5,000-$7,000 in plumbing and connection fees. The program is funded through the city's state funds for home improvement. The funds are distributed as a 0% interest loan requiring no payments, and the loan is forgiven by an equal amount each year for seven years. If the homeowners live in their homes for seven years, the loan will be completely forgiven.
The program provides a key environmental benefit by helping to eliminate septic tanks, which can contaminate the Floridan Aquifer - our underground source of drinking water. Of the approximately 1,000 septic tanks in the City of Tallahassee, many are older systems requiring frequent maintenance or are subject to failure. Malfunctions often result in sewage overflows that endanger public health and harm the environment. Untreated wastewater from septic tanks is also a source of nitrogen and bacteria, which can pollute our region's groundwater, lakes, rivers and springs.
For more information on the Sewer Connection Assistance Program, call 850-891-6106.
Sewer Connection Loan Program
Homeowners who would like to connect to the sewer system but do not qualify for the subsidy can finance the entire cost for up to 10 years through the city's low interest water/sewer loan program. Charges are added to your utility bill and payments are made monthly through the normal utility billing process. The loan program is available to county residents wanting to become city customers.
For more information on the Sewer Connection Loan Program, contact Your Own Utilities at 891-4968. After the first voice prompt, press 314 to be transferred to a Water/Sewer representative.
Under state law, if a septic tank malfunctions within the city limits and sewer service is available, the homeowner must connect to the central sewer system.