From Failing Septic Systems to Sustainable Futures: Sewer Solutions for Disadvantaged Communities in Sacramento County

Presentation Description: The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) spearheaded a critical infrastructure project to replace failing septic systems with public sewer service in five small, disadvantaged communities in Sacramento County. Many of the replaced septic systems were beyond their useful lifespan, unpermitted, or unable to meet modern regulatory standards, posing risks to public health and the environment. The project constructed approximately 51,660 linear feet of new sanitary sewer pipelines, enabling households to abandon outdated septic systems and connect to reliable public sewer service.
Given the financial hardships faced by these low-income communities, SacSewer successfully pursued local, state, and federal grant funding and other cost-sharing assistance to make sewer conversion available at no cost to the residential and school properties in these communities. This effort required extensive community engagement and education with the goal of residents and property owners understanding that converting to sewer service would not only alleviate septic system maintenance burdens and avoid increasingly stringent septic regulations, but also protect groundwater, bolster public health, and enhance their property values. SacSewer expects construction to conclude by the end of 2025 with successful implementation ensuring long-term environmental protection and equitable access to essential wastewater services in Sacramento County.
Presenters will share lessons learned in securing and coordinating funding, managing project schedules, and designing effective community engagement strategies.
Key takeaways will include:
• How to approach and structure successful funding applications and coordinate with multiple funding agencies
• Strategies for building property owner trust and participation
• Critical lessons from construction document requirements and permitting
• Team collaboration practices between owners, SacSewer, funding agencies, and design and funding consultants that improved project delivery
The session will be interactive, using tools such as Mentimeter to engage the audience through live polls and Q&A. Attendees will leave with both immediate, actionable strategies for their own projects and broader lessons for sustaining long-term infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.