Phase 2

Check out this week's Phase 2 Sewer Project update at https://cvcpl.us/npSDAsP

Overview

The entire Phase 2 area is estimated to cost over $180 million. 

The State Water Resources Control Board - Department of Finance, through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, will provide over $103 million to expand the sewer collection system in parts of Phase 2. The grant will help bring sewer service to approximately 1,991 homes, by installing 172,814 linear feet of pipe (32.72 miles) and 2,315 laterals. This grant does not cover the work on private property to abandon the septic system and complete the connection to the service lateral. Property owners will need to hire a contractor to make the connection. After connections are made, the additional flow to the treatment plant is estimated to be 210,000 gallons per day (.21 million gallons a day) of wastewater. 

Hi-Desert Water District has hired NV5 to serve as the Owner's Representative to oversee the Project. Sukut Construction and West Coast Civil have been hired to serve as the Progressive Design Build Team. West Coast Civil has completed the design and will work closely with Sukut Construction throughout the construction. 

Sign up for Phase 2 Project Updates here Version OptionsPhase 2Headline.

The Construction Areas 

The construction areas will include part of Country Club, Storey Park, and most of Sky Harbor (see map). These areas have been selected because they are densely populated and have existing dedicated rights-of-way that do not require the District to obtain easements. The goal is to construct as much collection system as possible.

Timeline of Construction

Sukut Construction and West Coast Civil are currently working in the Storey Park neighborhood, installing sewer collection lines. At the same time, Sukut is potholing in the street, marking lateral locations with green flags and marking utilities in the Storey Park neighborhood. West Coast Civil is conducting the western Joshua tree census in Sky Harbor.  Residents may experience some traffic delays and encounter detours. Residents will see the marked vehicles and contractors with Sukut Construction and West Coast Civil performing various activities in the street. They will typically have reflective vests and use traffic control measures to maintain a safe working area.

Construction will progress quickly Storey Park to Sky Harbor over the next few months. The current estimated construction schedule is as follows (subject to change):

Private Property Connections

Property Owners will be notified when the sewer line is complete and ready to connect and will be given 180 days (six months) to connect. Property owners will be responsible for the costs of connecting to the sewer lateral at the property line and decommissioning the septic system. The average property connection is about $5,000, but the actual cost will vary depending on distance, improvements like driveways, block walls, or landscaping. It is recommended that property owners contact licensed contractors to get estimates for their property. Property owners may complete the work themselves if they obtain the proper permits, complete the work to code, and obtain the final inspections. Permits are issued by the Town of Yucca Valley and final inspections are required by the Town and the water district. 

It will be most beneficial and least costly for property owners to connect during this initial time frame, as they will fall under the District’s Western Joshua Tree incidental take permit and census. It is also typically a better time to obtain bids, since contractors often offer lower rates when they are already mobilized in a neighborhood.

Property owners who delay connection will be required to conduct their own Western Joshua Tree census, pay separate permit fees, and risk higher costs later due to increased contractor pricing.

For more information, visit the Sewer Connections page.

Financial Assistance

Low-income property owners may qualify for financial assistance through the USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program, which provides loans or grants to low-income homeowners to connect to the sewer. Check eligibility requirements and apply online at https://go.usa.gov/xzcdM. To view a .pdf fact sheet visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/508-rd-fs-rhs-sfh504homerepair.pdf

Property owners will need to complete the RD 3550-35 Home Repair Loan and Grant Program Intake Form and email to:  SM.RD.CA.SFHDirect@usda.gov. Due to processing times, there is a wait time of approximately 12 months to receive funding.  

Additional resources for those in need can be accessed by calling 211 or by visiting Inland SoCal 211: Serving Riverside & San Bernardino Counties — Inland SoCal United Way at https://inlandsocaluw.org/211.  

Monthly Sewer Charges and Fees*

Residential properties will be charged the monthly sewer maintenance costs on their water bill once they connect and then annually on their property tax bill beginning the next property tax year.  

See Monthly Sewer Rates

Non-Residential properties are charged based on their monthly water use and are included on water bill each month.

*Fees to connect have not been calculated for Phase 2 and may represent an additional charge on their sewer bill. The District is expected to establish this additional fee at a future public board meeting.