Kirkland property owners of septic tanks will soon receive a mailed notice seeking responses to a survey that will help identify signs of failure and explain how to cease the use of a septic system and connect to the city’s system.

The surveys are part of the city bi-annual Emergency Sewer Program and intended to prompt residential property owners to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Surveys are encouraged to be submitted by Oct. 31 in order to be considered for the 2009 program. The survey is also available on line at www.ci.kirkland.wa.us (Search: Emergency Sewer Program).

The goal of the program is to offer sanitary sewer main lines to properties where failing septic systems are a concern and no direct access to sanitary sewer is available. Common signs of septic failure include odor, surfacing sewage, and plumbing back-ups.

Such failures pose public health hazards to the property, surrounding properties and occupants. The cost of participating in the program and connecting to the city’s sewer system is the responsibility of the property owner who may choose to pay in full or participate in the city’s loan plan.

City-provided utility services, such as water and sewer, are fully supported through utility rates and budgeted separately from the city’s general fund. Current sewer fees are paid by users and fund only the operation, maintenance and replacement of the existing sewer system. No new sewer construction or operation is funded by property taxes.

More information is available on the city’s website or by contacting Denise Pirolo, Project Engineer, Public Works Department at 425-587-3830 or dpirolo@ci.kirkland.wa.us.

Kirkland property owners of septic tanks will soon receive a mailed notice seeking responses to a survey that will help identify signs of failure and explain how to cease the use of a septic system and connect to the city’s system.

The surveys are part of the city bi-annual Emergency Sewer Program and intended to prompt residential property owners to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Surveys are encouraged to be submitted by Oct. 31 in order to be considered for the 2009 program. The survey is also available on line at www.ci.kirkland.wa.us (Search: Emergency Sewer Program).

The goal of the program is to offer sanitary sewer main lines to properties where failing septic systems are a concern and no direct access to sanitary sewer is available. Common signs of septic failure include odor, surfacing sewage, and plumbing back-ups.

Such failures pose public health hazards to the property, surrounding properties and occupants. The cost of participating in the program and connecting to the city’s sewer system is the responsibility of the property owner who may choose to pay in full or participate in the city’s loan plan.

City-provided utility services, such as water and sewer, are fully supported through utility rates and budgeted separately from the city’s general fund. Current sewer fees are paid by users and fund only the operation, maintenance and replacement of the existing sewer system. No new sewer construction or operation is funded by property taxes.

More information is available on the city’s website or by contacting Denise Pirolo, Project Engineer, Public Works Department at 425-587-3830 or dpirolo@ci.kirkland.wa.us.