General questions and answers about operations.
Around The Home:
What can I flush down the sewer?
The wastewater disposal system is designed to handle liquids and semi-solid human waste. It is not designed for the disposal of household or farm chemicals as these will cause major problems with operations which are expensive to correct. Similarly, it is not designed to handle toys or other hard, solid objects. Specifically prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: cleaners, beauty products, medicine, auto fluids (including anti-freeze, brake fluid and motor oil), paint, grease, diapers, condoms, feminine hygiene products, and Wipes.
How about ground water?
Our system will quickly become overloaded if groundwater or storm water enters it. Downspouts and sump pumps cannot be connected to the sanitary sewers.
How is my sewer bill calculated?
The sewer bill is based on the amount of water you use in a month. Water usage is multiplied by the rate for service (see the rates tab) and you are billed for that amount. The minimum bill is calculated on household consumption of 2000 gallons of water yielding a minimum bill of $23.00 per month.
What happens if I can’t pay my bill?
All bills should be paid when due. If it is not, a penalty is added to the bill. If your bill is four months overdue, we notify our attorney who mails you a letter requesting payment. If the bill is not paid within the next sixty days (in other words, becomes 6 months past due) we file a lien against the property receiving service. You will receive a summons to appear in court if you wish to contest the lien. Court costs and attorney fees are added to your bill. When we receive a judgement in our favor (we have been successful in every case so far), the amount due is added to the tax bill for the property. When paid, we are reimbursed by the county. If not paid, the property is sold at auction and we are paid from the proceeds.
If we are forced to twice file liens, we have the option (after notifying the Clark County Health Department) of digging up your sewer line and placing a plug inside to prevent use and the cost of this is added to your bill. At this point your property will also be condemned by the Health Department. You will have to pay all past due amounts plus the cost of plugging and unplugging the line. We may also request a deposit for future service.
What about rental property?
Landlords are invited to provide contact information to us; we will attempt to provide notification to the landlord of impending legal action although we are not required to do this by law.