Approximately 5,500 customers within the District’s service area use individual septic systems for wastewater treatment. This has been the predominant method of wastewater disposal for over five decades. Since the mid-1970s, MSWD has been concerned about the possible contamination of the local groundwater basin from tank seepage and the community’s continued reliance on septic systems. In 1997, the District determined that key improvements to its sewer collection system would be needed to protect its local drinking water supplies and local economy.

Recently, District voters approved the formation of a $58 million sewer assessment district (AD-12). This project is designed to remove existing septic tank systems and to finance the costs of additional improvements to the District sewer system. The “yes” vote assured $28 million dollars in funding; now MSWD is working to secure the matching funds needed to bring the project’s funding total to the $57 million needed to complete the project. At the same time, the District is working on the engineering and construction logistics of bringing sewers to the thousands of parcels that need them. While this project may take several years to complete, we believe the goal is within our reach and we are in the process of making it happen.

The District appreciates your patience and understanding as it works to complete the design and construction of AD-12. In the interim, property owners will need to continue to operate and maintain their individual septic tanks until the District is ready to connect their home to the sanitary sewer collection system. Learn more about the correct maintenance of your septic system by visiting the MSWD lobby for a free copy of “The Care and Feeding of Your Septic System” brochure or by checking out this University of Minnesota information page or these brochures from the University of Arizona: