When a central sewer system becomes available, do I have to connect?
Yes.  Florida Statute No. 381.00655 requires that you connect to an available central sewer system within 365 days of written notice that service is available to your property. Monroe County Code 15.5 requires that you connect within 30 days of notification.  Monroe County Code prevails.

Are there any exceptions to this requirement?
No. Connection is mandatory for anyone receiving official notification that service is available to the property. Failure to comply as required in the ordinance may result in code enforcement procedures against the property owner.

What happens if the electric power goes off?
A stand-by generator will power the treatment plant. Vacuum collection systems are powered by vacuum created at the plant so the system will operate without interruption. Lift and pump stations will be powered by either permanent or portable emergency generators to prevent interrupted service on gravity collection systems.

What happens if the collection system gets plugged or otherwise stops functioning?
Promptly notify the KLWTD. Somebody is on duty at all times to handle emergencies. The KLWTD will investigate to see if the problem is in the collection system or on your property. If it is on your property, your plumber will have to remedy the situation. If it is in the collection system, KLWTD will resolve the problem.

What happens if a hurricane causes flooding?
During the hurricane, procedures will include operating the system in normal mode as long as is practical.  If flooding occurs, the collection system may be shut down to prevent hydraulic overloading of the system.  If flooding is limited to certain streets, they may be isolated from the system by division valves. Those sections of the system that become flooded will be purged in stages working from the treatment plant to the extremities when flood waters and winds subside. In the past, maybe you have experienced a flooded septic system drain field from flood waters? A flooded small central sewer collection system can be back in service in hours rather than days.  Upon passage of the storm, the wastewater system will be restarted.

How long will my street be disrupted by construction?
Although it’s the KLWTD’s intention to have the contractor complete work promptly, it depends on many factors, including weather, the number of connections on the street, and the type of sewer collection system installed. Often, a street may be disrupted for construction for a few weeks; and there may be periods of inactivity between phases. For example, a temporary pavement patch might remain for many weeks before the permanent patch is made.

If roads, driveways, sidewalks or mailboxes are damaged by construction, will the damage be repaired?
Yes. The KLWTD requires the Contractor, through his contract, to restore the area to its original or better condition. If damage is noted that is less than obvious, it should be reported promptly to the KLWTD Contract Field Representative (often called the Inspector) for documentation. Some landscaping may not be saved or replaced if it is located in the public right-of-way. Homeowners with site-specific concerns may discuss them with the KLWTD representative. Mailboxes should be promptly replaced, but landscaping repairs may be delayed. See our information on “What To Expect During Construction."

Will other services and neighborhood improvements be included with the sewer construction?
Road paving may occur if there is cost sharing with the government entity having road improvement responsibility. Only patching of pavement is usually included with sewer system installation as a necessary cost.  Other utilities and services are excluded from the scope of the Key Largo Village and Key Largo Park contracts.

Will the KLWTD provide sewer service to vacant lots?
Provision for future connection may be made during construction of the collection system in an effort to avoid excavation in the public right of way at a later date.  In some areas vacuum pits may be installed now, but in some cases, service to vacant lots may not be provided until development occurs

What is required of me to connect to central sewer?
KLWTD will notify you in writing when service will be available and will provide information you need to establish your sewer account with KLWTD.  Details on abandoning your septic system and connecting your house to the central system will be provided with the availability notification.

You are encouraged to make all but the final connection to your home as soon as the clean-out is installed at your property line.

May I put in my own "building sewer" (pipe from house to roadside collection point) instead of hiring a plumber?
If you are the owner of the property, you may dig the trench and cover the pipe installed by a licensed Plumber.  You will still require a construction permit and an inspection from both the KLWTD and the appropriate Monroe County building official to insure that the installation meets plumbing code requirements and any special requirements of the collection system.  The Monroe County requirements include testing of the new lateral piping.  The KLWTD requirements include inspection and testing of the new piping and trench work, similar to the County, but require further testing of the existing piping that is to remain in use, including piping underneath the building.  Detailed printed information is available by mail or pick-up at he KLWTD office.

May I keep my existing septic tank as a backup?
No.  By law, at the least, it will need to be pumped out, the bottom will need to be broken, and it will need to be filled with an approved material (sand, gravel, common fill, etc.) Any variance to these requirements must be authorized by the Department of Health.

  You will also have to obtain a permit from the Department of Health for the abandonment.

There is no reasonable way to get heavy equipment to my septic tank/cesspit location.  How am I supposed to fill it in?
"Flowable fill” (sand and water slurry, usually with some cement to firm it quickly) can be pumped from the roadway to the pit location through a 2” diameter hose.

May I do the septic tank/cesspit abandonment myself?
The Monroe County Health Department (MCHD) requires that you must have a State Certified Plumber or a Septic Tank Contractor do the abandonment work.

  An inspection by the KLWTD for abandonment of the septic system is required.

What if my septic tank/cesspit is under my house?  Do I have to jack hammer holes in the floor to fill it?
That is a Monroe County Health Department decision. If you suspect that your septic tank/cesspit is located under your home, we suggest you contact the KLWTD as soon as possible for additional information. 

How long do I have to connect?
As noted earlier, Monroe County Code prevails in giving you 30 days after notification to connect and KLWTD billing will begin 30 days after notification whether you are connected or not.  There are a limited number of plumbers in the area that are interested in doing the work and perhaps a more limited number of rock trenchers available. It is obvious that there are not enough available resources to expect everyone to connect in a few weeks; therefore, we encourage residents to contact plumbers as soon as possible.  The bulk of the plumbing work can be performed as soon as the KLWTD point of connection for your house, called a clean-out, has been installed.  Final connection of the existing household plumbing to the new pipe can be made at a later date, followed by abandonment of the septic system.

How is it decided who has to connect to the new sewer first?
Connection notifications will be scheduled in small groups at monthly intervals. The methodology utilized will bring the maximum amount of system piping into use in the shortest time, then increase capacity gradually with the extremities of the system attaining full normal capacity earliest. The Contractor will have workers in the area for a short time after piping completion and this method puts all of the sewer mains into operation while he is most available to honor his warranty. Early notifications may be sent well ahead of their effective date so that plumbers may better schedule their customers.

Am I allowed to connect before I receive notification?
As soon as your sewer clean-out is installed so that you can determine routing for your Building Sewer, you can obtain your permit, excavate, and lay piping from the road to your home. Of course, you will be unable to make final connection and abandon your septic system until the sewer collection system is completed and the treatment plant is ready to receive waste. Nearly all of the piping on your property can be installed and tested in advance to avoid the rush. If a contractor can do the work at his convenience, he will be more likely to give you a preferred rate. As an incentive to connect earlier, your billing for sewer use will not start until 30 days after your notification date!

Where can I get more information about the KLWTD central sewer system connection program?
Call 305-453-5804

For more information please contact the KLWTD at (305) 453-5804 or e-mail us at: klwtd@bellsouth.net