FAQs
Am I required to hook up to the system?
No. You are not required to connect right now. Currently, there is no sewer system by-law in place, but Council plans to implement one soon
Will a sewer by-law make hooking up to the system mandatory?
A sewer by-law does not automatically mean that hookups will be mandatory. However, if your current septic system is found to be harmful to the environment, you may be required to connect.
What’s the cost to connect to the system?
Residents will have the chance to connect to the system when the main lines are being installed. During this time, there will be an initial, one-time connection fee of $1,000. If property owners choose to connect after the main lines have been installed, these fees may increase. Property owners will also need to pay for a lateral line from the main line to their property, which could potentially cost between $50 and $250 per foot, depending on the location and terrain. We are exploring ways to make this more affordable. Please check our website for updates.
Once connected to the system, billing costs will depend on how many homes are connected. For example, if 45 two-person homes connect in the first year, costs will be around $75 to $100 per month. If 75 homes connect in the following year, costs could drop to between $62.50 and $100 per month. The more homes that are connected, the lower the cost for each household.
Are there financing options available to support the initial costs to the landowner?
The County offers a Water Supply or Septic Upgrade Lending Program, providing low-interest financing of up to $15,000 over 10 years to help homeowners with these costs. This program works on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is used up. Council may update this program to include wastewater connection costs.
What measures will be in place to protect the environment?
The wastewater will be treated using Ultraviolet (UV) technology to remove harmful germs and pathogens. This process will create treated water that meets all safety standards set by different governing agencies, including the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The water will be tested regularly by both plant operators and regulating government agencies to make sure it does not harm the environment and marine life. The plant operators will also check the water quality often to make sure it is safe. The Wastewater Collection and Treatment System will closely monitor the outflow and have a system in place to alert staff and the public if there are any problems.