Septic to Sewer Project
Project Summary
The City of Durham is funding a cost-share project for qualifying City property owners interested in replacing their septic system with a connection to the City sewer system. If you live in the Northeast Creek watershed and your home is connected to a septic system, then you may be eligible for this project. We are now taking applications for this project! See the tabs below to find out if you're eligible to participate.
Find out what watershed you live in.
Project Manager
Phone: 919-560-4326 ext. 30211
- Am I Eligible?
- Northeast Creek Watershed
- Do I Qualify for Financial Hardship?
- Why use City sewer?
- Septic System Maintenance
- How to Apply
In order to qualify for this project, you have to meet the following requirements:
- the property must be connected to a septic system, and
- the property must be zoned as residential, and
- the property must be within the City of Durham limits, and
- the property must be within the Northeast Creek watershed boundary, and
- a City of Durham sanitary sewer line service must be available for the property.
Financial Hardship
- Must be a resident of the City of Durham for at least 90 days and one of the following:
- Enrolled in a Durham County property tax relief program, or
- Household income (accounting for household size) is less than or equal to 200% of the most recent Federal poverty income guidelines, or
- Household income is less than or equal to Durham County's median household income for the most recent year of data available
Benefits of City Sewer
- Minimizing the number of septic systems within the Northeast Creek Watershed helps improve the water quality of local groundwater, creeks, and lakes including drinking water reservoirs.
- A connection to our safe and reliable sanitary sewer system greatly lessens required maintenance and costs.
- The responsibility for maintenance of a private sewer system falls solely on the homeowner, but the upkeep of the majority of the public sewer system is the responsibility of the public utility.
- This project provides a cost-share that will make the switch even more affordable.
- Inspect and pump frequently
- Use water efficiently
- Properly dispose of waste
- Maintain your drainfield
- Learn more from Durham County.
How to apply
- Download/ open the City of Durham's Residential Septic to Sewer Cost-Share Application and Agreement.
- Fill out and sign the City of Durham's Residential Septic to Sewer Cost-Share Application and Agreement.
- Send the application and agreement form to the Public Works Department using one of the following methods:
- Mail: Residential Septic to Sewer Cost-Share Project, Attn: Jonathan Baker, City of Durham, Public Works Department, Stormwater & GIS Services, 101City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC, 27701
- Deliver in person: Public Works Department, Stormwater & GIS Services, 3rd Floor, 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701
We will confirm receipt of the application within 10 business days.
You will be notified within 20 business days from receipt of the application and the signed agreement if the application is approved or denied.
If approved, the septic to sewer conversion needs to be completed within 18 months from the approval date.
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200