Wastewater Lateral Repair Program
Residential and commercial customers served by the City of Fairfax Wastewater Utility may be eligible for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred to repair or replace a wastewater lateral.
Residential customers are charged $18 per year, while commercial customers are charged $36 per year on their Fairfax Water statements as a separate wastewater lateral charge.
In most cases, the City of Fairfax will reimburse customers for the replacement of the entire lateral located on private property. The city may also reimburse customers for partial or spot repairs when the repair is located within the public right-of-way.
City of Fairfax Wastewater Lateral Repair and Replacement Program
If you replace the entire lateral line on private property only (trenchless technology encouraged): Reimbursement of 25% up to $3,250
If you repair the lateral line in the right of way only (sidewalk and street): Reimbursement of 25% up to $3,250
If you replace the entire lateral line from the home to the mainline in the ROW: Reimbursement of 75% up to $6,500
Applying for a Reimbursement
Step 1 - Obtain at Least Two Quotes
Obtain at least two quotes and one camera inspection of the existing condition of the lateral line. Only one video recording of the camera inspection is required in all cases. Two quotes must be obtained in all cases to ensure competition.
Step 2 - Submit an Application to the City of Fairfax Public Works Department
Before work begins, submit a Wastewater Lateral Repair and Replacement Program application(PDF, 187KB) to Ann Feeherry via email, or by mail or in person at Fairfax City Hall (Annex Room 200). Please include the following supplemental documents:
- Two quotes and related descriptions for the work to be completed.
- One video recording of the interior lateral line condition showing the entire length to be replaced or the section to be repaired.
Step 3 - Hire a Contractor
After you receive recommendations and application approval from the City (which can be accomplished within four hours for emergency repairs), you will hire the contractor of your choice. The city will not manage the contractor and will not be responsible for the work product.
Before the work begins, the hired contractor will be expected to apply for:
Step 4 - Reimbursement
Upon completion of the work, pay the contractor and provide the invoice and proof of payment to the City of Fairfax Public Works Department for reimbursement.
Further Program Information
Wastewater lateral repairs, pipelines carrying wastewater from buildings to the main, can be costly, especially when portions run beneath public streets, sidewalks, or easements. Property owners are currently responsible for maintenance of those pipelines, all the way to the main within the right-of-way, and emergency repairs can cost $30,000 or more using conventional methods.
The amended ordinance, approved by City Council on January 10, 2017, provides support through (1) technical guidance on cost-effective repair and replacement methods and (2) financial reimbursement for eligible repairs and preventive replacements. The program helps share costs with customers experiencing lateral failures, particularly within city streets and easements, and for complete replacements on private property to prevent future failures.
More Information
For more information regarding the Wastewater Lateral Repair and Replacement program, please contact: Ann Feeherry via email, or by phone at (703) 273-6239.