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Q: How long will construction take?
A: Once it begins, construction should about 12-15 months. Trenching done on particular block, however, should not last more
than a week.
Q: What are the costs associated with connecting to the City of Austin's water and wastewater system?
A: Fees paid to the City include $58.60 for inspection of wastewater taps. In addition, there is a $47 fee for inspection of the
septic tank abandonment. (NOTE: These fees apply only to 2009, and may vary from year to year.) Typically, the City also collects a
Capital Recovery Fee (CRF) of $400 to $1,000 (depending on meter size and location in the City) for new connections to its water and/or
wastewater systems. However, as part of the Service Plan for this annexation, the City Council has waived the CRF for customers who
connect to the system within two years after the date that service is made available.
The property owner is responsible for decommissioning the old septic system, and for extending the new sewer line from the septic cleanout to the City of Austin service connection located at the right-of-way line (typically 10 ft. from the curb). A licensed plumber typically does these improvements. Homeowners who live on the property are permitted to complete the connection. The cost for these improvements varies depending on the length of pipe, depth of service connection, type of material below ground (e.g. soil or limestone rock), etc. A plumber can estimate those costs based on characteristics of the property.
Q: How much will it cost to abandon my septic system?
A: While we cannot give you specific costs associated with abandoning your septic system-plumbing costs vary-we can tell you that city fees will fun approximately $300. However, the city cannot give an exact fee amount for work done beyond 2009.
Q: How do I abandon my septic system?
A: There are two city approved ways to abandon a septic system: 1) the property owner can fully remove it (it must be emptied first), or 2) pump out the effluent, break the lid and let it fall in, and backfill it with pea gavel or loam to the rim. Either option will require a "trip ticket," which is a written certification that the contents have been removed and disposed of according to code.
Q: What kind of pipe should I install to connect with city services?
A: Four-inch PVC pipe is recommended.
Q: Will the city install a backflow prevention device?
A: While backflow can be a problem for some property owners, the city does not install backflow prevention devices. Some property
owners may opt to install them on their own.
Q: Will pumping stations be installed as part of this project?
A: No. In fact, we are hoping to remove some of the existing pumping stations in the neighborhood in favor of a gravity flow system.
Q: Will the neighborhood be connected to wastewater services in stages?
A: No, services will be made available to everyone upon completion of construction. It is up to individual property owners to decide when to connect to services.
Q: Who is responsible for trimming trees to accommodate the construction?
A: Contractors will trim trees based upon plans, City of Austin Code, and direction from the City arborist, although property owners may hire their own arborist if they prefer to.
Q: Will emergency services have access to my residence during construction?
A: Emergency services will have 24/7 access to residences.
Q: What can I expect if there is to be construction in front of my property?
A: Before construction begins in your neighborhood, a "Meet the Contractor" meeting will be held and the Contractor will provide
more details regarding their sequence of construction.
Q: What happens if during construction there is damage to a sprinkler system, fence, or any other property?
A: Any damage that the Contractor causes will be repaired or replaced. Please contact the construction inspector or call the hotline immediately when any damage occurs.
We advise you to document the incident with before and after photos if possible.
Q: Where will the lines be laid?
A. All of the lines will be located either within the street right-of-way or an easement. Street right-of-way extends approximately 10 feet from edge of the pavement or curb.
Q: How is the City of Austin going to repair streets damaged by construction?
A: The contractor will be responsible for returning the streets to the quality that existed prior to start of construction.
Q: How do I specify where I would like my service connection located?
A: You should have already received a form in the mail on which you can specify the preferred location. Forms were also provided at
the neighborhood meeting. If you would like to receive a form, please contact the project hotline at (512) 684-3232.
Q: If I do not specify the desired location of the wastewater service connection, where will it be located?
A: If the homeowner does not specify a service location, the design engineers will assign a position based on factors such as topography, site constraints and the location of your septic tank. After the service stubs have been determined, residents will still have an opportunity to review the plans and request changes at the 60% design phase. Those plans will be made available at an upcoming neighborhood meeting.
Q: Can property owners install their own line on their property to connect to the wastewater improvements as long as they have it properly inspected?
A. Yes, they can do the work themselves if they reside on the property.
Q: Do you have a list of plumbers who can perform the plumbing work?
A: The City of Austin cannot provide a listing of recommended plumbers because it would create a conflict of interest. However,
the Neighborhood Association may be able to gather this information for residents.
Q: How can I keep up with this project?
A. Residents will have several avenues in which to keep up with this project. Updates will be mailed to residents at each
stage of the project. Neighborhood meetings will be held to allow residents the opportunity to ask questions and make comments.
Prior to the start of the construction phase, a "Meet the Contractor" meeting will be also be held. In addition, residents can
also call the project hotline at 512-684-3232.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL THE NORTH ACRES WASTEWATER ANNEXATION PROJECT HOTLINE AT (512) 684-3232.
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