Yucca Valley, CA - Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD) has been in communication with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) staff and the Town of Yucca Valley's (TYV) Building and Safety Department, regarding the requirements for the private property connection (on-lot lateral connection).  A process is being developed that includes information on how property owners will pay for the lateral connection costs; installing a lateral connection line from a building to the main sewer line; and the abandonment of septic tanks.

Below you will find some updates recently provided to HDWD regarding funding and installation guidelines for private property connections.

Funding
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is the State agency that will issue two separate loans to fund the sewer system's construction. A State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan, secured through the formation of an Assessment District that will provide a 30-year term with low interest to construct the public sewer system; and a separate Expanded Use Loan that will allow property owners to place a voluntary assessment on their property taxes to fund the construction of their private property connection. The Expanded Use Loan guidelines, recently received from the SWRCB, require repayment of the loan over a 20-year term.  Currently, HDWD is trying to extend the loan's term to 30 years to match the SRF loan. It is also important to note, that the SWRCB is not requiring a credit check to apply for either loan.

Installation
Property owners will be responsible for obtaining a permit from the TYV before installing their private property connection. As the local land-use authority, the TYV will issue permits, perform inspections and set forth guidelines for the installation of the private property connections. The TYV will have a list of requirements such as the licensing needed to perform the work; details on how septic tanks must be abandoned; and how the actual connection line must be sized and installed.  

HDWD will be assisting property owners throughout this process to make a smooth transition from septic to sewer.  HDWD is currently working on developing a step-by-step plan for property owners to follow when the time comes to install their private property connections.  This process along with the TYV's requirements will soon become available on protectgroundwater.org.

To view a map of your lateral connection location, visit www.HDWDwastewaterreclamation.com. You can also attend an informational meeting held every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at HDWD's Administration Office.