HRSD has been awarded a grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Non-Point Source Pilot Program to reduce nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. HRSD’s proposal provides financial incentives for existing properties served by a septic tank to connect to public sewer. More information on the DEQ initiative can be found here.

Eligible property owners will be offered financial incentives to abandon existing septic systems and connect to public sewer.

Reimbursement of up to $5,000 in qualifying construction expenses and waiver of HRSD facility charges (a $2,540 value). Locality specific incentives may also be available.

Applicable permits, labor and construction materials needed to install a gravity sewer lateral and connection or private sewage pump and force main connection. Expenses associated with septic tank abandonment including pump-out.

All property owners currently served by a septic system (not connected to public sewer) within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and HRSD’s service area are encouraged to apply for the program.

HRSD does not require connection to public sewer; requirements to connect are locality specific. Participation in this program is voluntary.

Contact your local Public Utility provider to discuss the process and requirements for connecting properties currently served by septic tank to public sewer.

The property owner may hire any contractor qualified to perform the work in accordance with locality standards.

The sewer connection may be subject to inspection from DEQ representatives as a condition of the program. Any inspections will be coordinated with HRSD and the local inspector.

A copy of the local building permit (or equivalent permit), local Public Utility inspection approval, proof of contractor payment (e.g. invoice and receipt), and establishment of HRSD customer account.

Reimbursements will be issued within 60 calendar days from the date property owner receives confirmation from HRSD that all necessary forms from the property owner have been provided.

The property owner is required to pay all costs associated with the permitting and construction of the septic to sewer connection in accordance with locality standards as well as any applicable one-time connection fees. Property owners will be reimbursed up to $5,000 in qualifying construction expenses. Once the property is connected to public sewer, the property owner will begin to receive regular bills for local sewer and HRSD treatment services based on metered water consumption or flat rate for unmetered accounts, and billed in accordance with locality scheduled billing.

Yes. Public sewer customers are responsible for the respective locality sewer bill in addition to HRSD’s bill. Please consult your local Public Utility provider for locality rate information. HRSD bills are based on the volume of water consumed at the property as reported by the locality. HRSD current rate schedule is here.

Yes, for property owners not currently served by municipal water, HRSD bills will be assessed at the unmetered sewer rate.

Even well-maintained septic tanks deliver nutrients to the nearby waters of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Disconnecting septic tanks and conveying residential wastewater to a nearby wastewater treatment plant where the wastewater can receive a higher level of treatment and where nutrient loads are already subject to a regulatory cap allows for a net reduction in nutrient loads to the Chesapeake Bay.

Public sewer systems offer several benefits, including efficient wastewater management and lower maintenance requirements for homeowners. If a septic system is failing or at risk of failure, public sewer offers additional environmental and public health benefits. Public sewers are often recommended or required for densely populated areas where wastewater conveyance and treatment services can more effectively manage the larger, collective volume of wastewater.