Cathedral City Requiring Sewer Hook-Ups For All Homes

The State of California mandated almost a decade ago that all homes in the cove area of Cathedral City had to be off septic tanks and on a sewer system by January of this year.

The city later passed an ordinance banning septic tanks in all areas of the city and in July will begin fining homeowners who aren’t hooked up to the sewer system. The fines start at $250 and go as high as $1,000.

In order to make the transition from septic tanks to sewer lines, homeowners have to pick up the costs themselves.

When factoring in the one-time water district connection fee and contractor costs, it can run as high as $10,000.

Still, following a water quality study conducted 10 years ago, the city realized it needed to rid itself of septic tanks.

“It was found that the septic fields were beginning to contaminate the water table, the drinking water in the city here,” said Allen Howe, Assistant to the City Manager. “They were finding nitrates and other chemicals in the water table.”

Until recently, the city was able to assist homeowners with the costs involved in making the transition to sewer lines, but the funding went away when the state eliminated redevelopment agencies.