WHAT IS IT?

Distributed Wastewater Treatment is an efficient method of providing wastewater treatment to homeowners anywhere, without the need to connect the home to a central wastewater plant through pipes.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A miniature wastewater treatment unit – about the size of a regular septic tank – is installed underground at a residence to provide sewer service. A small computer allows licensed wastewater professionals to monitor and operate the treatment unit from a remote location. Connected homeowners receive turnkey wastewater service from the County at a flat rate.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The initial cost to connect to the County's DWTS will be covered by the County as funds are available. The cost of ongoing service, operation and maintenance is $55/month, billed to the connected homeowners on their annual assessment bill. There are no other costs.

WHAT IS THE CONVERSION PROCESS?

Once your documents are submitted, OnSyte Performance, Lake County’s program administrator, will schedule a site visit on your property where: 

a. Your septic system will be located, partially uncovered, and a location for the new DWTU will be determined.

b. Soil samples will be taken to confirm drainage and groundwater elevation.

c. Your drain field will be assessed to confirm it is operating properly.

d. Utility locates will be conducted.

e. Landscaping, clearances, and other site constraints will be discussed.

f. Power supply from your house to the DWTU will be coordinated.

OTHER DETAILS:

1. OnSyte will check to see if municipal utility service is available prior to submitting your application to the County.
2. OnSyte will coordinate installation approval through the County and provide you with a schedule of installation, as well as address any questions or concerns that you may have.
3. On installation day, the entire installation typically takes less than eight hours and plumbing downtime is less than two hours. If your site requires any drain field improvements, that work will take place at the same time.
4. The DWTU will be placed into service and ready for use on installation day, and there are no other homeowner responsibilities.