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1. When did this program begin?

The program began January 1, 2003.

2. What is my sewer lateral?

Your sewer lateral is the portion of your sewer line that runs from the exterior building wall to the city’s sewer main line.

3. How much does coverage cost?

$20 per year will be collected on the Real Estate Property Tax bill collected by the Saint Charles County Assessor’s Office.

4. How do I know if my house is covered?

The program covers all residential structure types up to 6 units. Examples include single family homes, duplexes, residential triplexes, 4-, 5-, and 6-unit residential structures, and residential condo units with individual lateral connections.

5. How do I enroll in the program?

If your house is within the city limits of Saint Charles you will be automatically enrolled.

6. My house is outside the city limits but I pay my sewer bill to the City of Saint Charles, am I covered?

No, residential structures outside of the city limits are not eligible. The program is for city residents only.

7. Can I opt out of the program?

No, the program was approved by the voters therefore all homeowners of eligible properties are assessed the $20 per year and will be enrolled in the sewer lateral program.

8. How much of the repair cost does the program cover?

The program will reimburse 90% of the lowest of 3 bids submitted by plumbers / drainlayers to repair the sewer lateral up to $7,500.

9. Three bids, what’s that about?

The program administrator will put together a repair description for the resident to acquire multiple quotes from plumbers / drainlayers. The resident can choose which plumbers / drainlayers they would like to bid on the repair and can choose which plumber / drainlayer they want to complete the repair. The program only reimburses 90% of the lowest bid.

10. My sewer is backing up and there is water on my basement floor, what do I do?

First thing contact a plumber / drainlayer to have your sewer lateral line cabled. Then contact the Department of Public Works to secure an application (PDF) (PDF) and instructions for participating in the insurance program.

11. The plumber cabled my lateral and it’s working better, what now?

Return the completed Sewer Lateral Program Application (PDF) (PDF) to the Department of Public Works. The program administrator will contact you to schedule an appointment to run a camera through the sewer lateral to determine the scope of the repair. After the camera investigation the program administrator will put together a bid package which includes an Approval Letter, a Contractor Procedures Letter, several copies of the Repair Description, and a list of the approved plumbers / drainlayers.