Billing Questions

What happens if I do not pay my sewer bill on time?
Sewer bills that are not paid on or before their due date are automatically assessed a 10% late fee on the first of the month. At the close of each fiscal year, the District audits its delinquent accounts and submits delinquent customer information to the County for inclusion on its tax roll. Your delinquent sewer service charges will be added to your property tax bill and the County will collect on our behalf. 

What happens if my tenant doesn't pay their sewer bill?
Sewer charges attach to a property similarly to property taxes. The property owner is responsible for all outstanding sewer charges, regardless of whether the bill has been in their name or not. It is important for landlords to review the sewer account attached to their property before a tenant moves out, and also for new home buyers to inquire about any outstanding sewer charges attached to properties on the market in Cayucos.

What does a “Standby/Vacant Lot Fee” pay for?
Sewer standby fees ensure each paying customer capacity in the District’s sewer system. This fee is also used for the reconstruction, maintenance, and operation of sewer facilities.

What is a “Connection Fee” and why am I responsible to pay this fee?
Connection fees are collected immediately prior to a newly developed/unconnected property connecting to the District sewer main. These fees are collected to recover a fair and equitable share of the costs associated with the construction, maintenance, operational expenses and reserve capacity in the sewer system and wastewater treatment plant.

What does a “Sewer Use Fee” pay for?
Sewer use fees are collected to pay for the ongoing costs associated with the operation, maintenance, and treatment of wastewater for customers connected to the sewer system.

Sewer-Related Questions

Who do I call in the event of a sewer emergency?
The Cayucos Sanitary District has personnel on stand-by ready to respond to sewer overflows and sewer-related emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you have a sewer emergency or witness a sewer overflow, contact the District emergency alarm line at 805-995-2550. 

What is a “sewer lateral” and who is responsible for sewer lateral maintenance?
A sewer lateral is the sewer line that connects your home or business to the District's sewer main. Sewer laterals have been constructed using various materials such as clay, orangeburg, cast iron, or plastic. Property owners are solely responsible for the maintenance and repair of sewer laterals beginning at the connection to the building and ending/including the wye connection to the sewer main.

What is a “backflow device”? Does my home need one?
A backflow device helps to prevent sewage from backing up into your home when there is a sewer main blockage. Cayucos Sanitary District Ordinance No. 15 requires property owners who have plumbing fixtures lower than the nearest upstream manhole to install a backflow device on their lateral. District staff is available to help you determine if your property is required (or recommended) to have a backflow device. Please feel free to inquire at (805) 995-3290. 

Is it legal to connect my home's roof drains, surface drains, or sump pump to my sewer lateral?
It is against District Ordinances and the Uniform Plumbing Code to attach roof drains, surface drains, or sump pumps to a sewer lateral. District staff is available to assist you in evaluating the existence of these illegal connections if you are uncertain.