To date, the following funding sources have allocated money toward the design and construction phase of the Belfair Wastewater and Water Reclamation Facilities Project:
The Department of Ecology modified their funding for this project because funding in this program was reduced.
Connecting to the system does have associated hook up costs for which property owners will be responsible:
- There will be a connection fee to the public sewer. The connection fee is being developed and is estimated at $3,000 per equivalent residential unit (ERU). This cost will be payable to Mason County.
- In addition, it will cost an average of approximately $4,000 to re-plumb your sewer to connect to the main system and disconnect from your septic tank. Sometimes this is referred to as “building a side sewer.” The cost of building a side sewer is property-dependent and will vary.
Once the system is operational, the average ERU can expect to pay approximately $96 per month for sewer service. Single family homes are considered to be one ERU. Businesses and institutions will be assessed an ERU based on several factors, including water use.
The final rates and fees for connecting to the sewer system will be determined through a rate ordinance, passed by Mason County Commissioners later this year. The final costs will be based on how many properties connect to the sewer system during this first phase.
Mason County is currently investigating low-interest loan and grant programs to help business owners and residents construct side sewers. See side sewers for financial assistance information.