For Water Subcommittee Meeting June 25, 2026
TO: Water Subcommittee Members
APPROVAL: Yazdan Emrani P.E., Director of Utilities
FROM: Nicole Hemmans, Senior Administrative Analyst
Title
Update on the Septic-to-Sewer Project
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City was awarded a $319,000 grant from the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) to support a septic-to-sewer conversion project. Following an evaluation of potential project locations, staff identified an area along West Cheshire Street, east of Ayala Drive, as the most viable candidate for implementation.
The proposed project would provide sanitary sewer service to approximately twelve existing single-family residences that currently rely on individual septic systems. Based on preliminary assessments, the grant funding is expected to cover the installation of an approximately 8-inch sewer main and three manholes necessary to serve the affected properties.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
While the grant funding may be sufficient to construct the public sewer infrastructure, property owners would remain responsible for the costs associated with connecting their residences to the new sewer system and properly abandoning their existing septic systems. These private conversion costs may present a financial challenge for some homeowners, particularly if their existing septic systems remain functional and do not require immediate replacement.
Staff is seeking feedback from the Water Subcommittee regarding the overall feasibility of the proposed project and potential strategies for engaging affected residents. This discussion will help determine the level of homeowner interest in participating in the conversion program and assist staff in evaluating the project's viability moving forward.