Frequently Asked Questions

Property owners will be responsible to install the private property connection (the connection from the home to the main sewer pipes). A notification to begin the connection process will be sent to property owners six months prior to having to connect their properties.

All customers are required to connect to the sewer system when it becomes available. Property owners will have a choice to hire a contractor to connect their properties to the sewer mains installed within the streets. Property owners are responsible for the cost. It is recommended to obtain multiple bids and verify that the contractor(s) are reputable, licensed, and insured.  Property owners may do the work themselves if they get the proper permits, complete the work to code, and pass the final inspections from the Town and the water district. Property owners who do not have the cash to connect can seek private financing through a bank or contractor offering such options. Low-income property owners may qualify for the USDA 504 home repair loan program. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants-9

Connections to the sewer system will begin once the property receives a notice of availability from the Hi-Desert Water District, which will provide a minimum of 180 days to connect.

In most cases, your current septic system would be left in service until the new connection is ready. It often takes only a single day to install a collection line that runs from a home or business to the property line and to abandon the septic system on site.

The efficiency of the process means that a typical home or business would only be out of service for 15 to 30 minutes.

The Town of Yucca Valley’s Building Department is currently working on developing the permit and inspection requirements.

Yes, property owners can complete their own connection as long as they obtain necessary permits, the work is completed to code, and are able to pass the final inspection completed by the Town and water district. 

The cost of hooking up to the sewer is the responsibility of the property owner. Property owners may wish to seek private financing to pay for their sewer connection to avoid having to pay cash. Options for financing may include home equity line of credit or other property secured financing.  Some contractors offer financing.  Another program that may help low-income property owners finance their connection is the USDA 504 Home Repair Program. 

Connecting to the sewer in a timely manner is essential to meeting the Regional Water Quality Control Board's discharge prohibition requirements for your property, as well as to start the new sewer system. An extension can be requested by filling out a form and submitting it to the District. If an extension is not granted, then the Regional Water Quality Control Board will be in contact with the property owner.

If you are 62 years of age or older, occupy your single-family residence and meet eligibility requirements you may be eligible to receive a 504 grant through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in California | Rural Development https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants-9

Yes. Once you connect, you will be responsible for paying the annual or monthly Operations and Maintenance Fee for using the sewer. Between the time you connect up until the following cut-off date of June 30th (the District will submit property tax information to the County by August), the fee will be temporarily charged on the water bill before it starts to be collected through property taxes.

The Estimated Monthly Maintenance & Operation Fees

• Commercial contact the District (Billed monthly on water bill)
• Mobile Homes per unit (MHP) (all billed annually on property taxes)
• Multi-Family Residences per unit (MFR)
• Single Family Residences (EDU)

Estimated Monthly Maintenance Fees

Rates & Fees | Hi-Desert Water District, CA