For Water Subcommittee Meeting November 19, 2026
TO: Water Subcommittee Members
APPROVAL: Yazdan Emrani P.E., Director of Public Works and Utilities
FROM: Nicole Hemmans, Senior Administrative Analyst
Title
Staff Request Water Subcommittee Receive an Update on the Septic-to-Sewer Project - Residential Outreach.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Water Subcommittee receive an update on the Septic-to-Sewer Project - Residential Outreach.
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 locations, staff identified 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 currently served by individual septic systems. As described in the June 25, 2026 staff report, preliminary assessments indicated that grant funding was expected to cover construction of an approximately 8-inch sewer main and three manholes. Property owners would remain responsible for the costs of connecting their residences to the sewer system and properly abandoning their existing septic systems.
At its June 25, 2026 meeting, the Water Subcommittee provided feedback directing staff to conduct resident outreach to explain the project and its benefits and to identify financing options that could make conversion more feasible for property owners.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Following the June meeting, staff distributed two notices to the twelve affected properties. The second notice was both mailed and hand delivered. The outreach materials provided homeowners with an overview of the proposed project and its benefits.
While hand delivering the second notice, staff spoke directly with homeowners representing three of the twelve properties. These conversations provided an opportunity to explain the proposed conversion and obtain feedback regarding participation and affordability. None of the three homeowners expressed interest in converting under the proposed arrangement because of the associated costs. The feedback indicates that the private costs of connecting to the sewer system and abandoning existing septic systems remain a significant barrier to participation, even if the City offered financing with smaller repayment amounts. The Notices sent to the homeowners are included as Attachment 1. The presentation is shown as Attachment 2.
Although the responding residents have not expressed an interest due to the near-term cost of connecting to the proposed sewer, that sentiment may change over time as the aging residential septic systems need to be replaced in the future.
Although the responding residents have not expressed an interest due to the near-term cost of connecting to the proposed sewer, that sentiment may change over time as the aging residential septic systems need to be replaced in the future. At that time, the cost of conversion will likely be significantly less than the cost of a replacement septic system.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Residential Outreach - 1st Notice & 2nd Notice
2. Presentation