Sewer

The city maintains relationships with adjoining jurisdictions, cities, water districts, sewer districts, King County Metro, the State Department of Ecology (DOE), and the Seattle - King County Health Department in the operation of this utility.

The service area of over 3300 active accounts includes most of the city with the exception of the northeast corner of the City that is owned by Northshore Utility District and two sewer trunk lines belonging to King County. The limits of the sewer utility are identified on the sewer map.

Helpful Links

Operations & Maintenance – Keeping the System Flowing

The Public Works crew is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 225,000 feet of gravity sewer main, 11,000 feet of pressure main, and the operation and maintenance of two lift stations. The sewer system is cleaned in order to remove the troublesome sand, grease and other restrictions that can cause sewer backups. Sewer overflows and backups can cause health hazards, damage homes and the environment.

The City wants to remind our customers that putting fats, oils, grease (FOG) or trash down a sink or toilet can create a situation that is both unhealthy and expensive not only to the City, but to you personally. Putting these materials down a sink or toilet can lead to a clogged sanitary sewer line. Clogs can then lead to wastewater backing up into your home or business, spilling out onto the streets, and even finding its way into storm drains, Lake Washington, and Puget Sound.

While the City maintains the community-wide sewer system, the sewer line within your own home and on your property out to the sewer main is the responsibility of the property owner. If you find that your home's sewer lines have become clogged with FOG, it may require either do-it-yourself maintenance or assistance from a plumber to clear the blockage.

For more information go to: King County - Don't Flush Trouble

Connecting to Sewer

In 2004 the City began a program to expand sewer availability to all residences within its sewer district. The project was broken into three phases and was completed in 2008 with a total cost of $5.48 million. To accommodate flat areas or uphill sloped areas the City utilized a pressure type system as an alternative to the gravity system. As a result, there are two types of sewer connections in the City; pressure and gravity.

There are approximately 200 homes in Lake Forest Park that operate an on-site wastewater system and are not connected to the sewer utility. Properties that operate an on-site wastewater system are required to obtain a license through the City to ensure the system is operating properly. Once an existing on-site wastewater system fails the residence must be connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Cost

Lake Forest Park Connection Fees

The connection fees for the Lake Forest Park sanitary sewer system are outlined below. Fees do not include the cost of installation of the side sewer system which is the responsibility of the property owner. Fees are subject to annual increases according to council resolution.

Service	Amount
Side Sewer Connection Charge	$5,034
Side Sewer Permit Fee	$300
Technology Fee (5% Development Review Technology Surcharge per Resolution 1445)	$15
Total	$5349

King County Sewage Capacity Charge

All homeowners and building owners in King County's service area whose home or building connected to the sewer system on or after February 1, 1990 must pay a sewage capacity charge to King County. The capacity charge distributes the costs for expanding sewer treatment facilities and pump stations to customers with the newest sewer connections. In other words, the capacity charge helps make sure that "growth pays for growth."

More information about King County Sewage Capacity Charges

Gravity Connection

Each of the following forms is either required or useful when making a side sewer gravity connection. This packet may also be obtained at the Lake Forest Park City Hall.

Property Owner Checklist for Gravity Sewer Connection
Side Sewer Permit Application
Report of Wastewater Tank Abandonment
- This form must be submitted to the Public Health Department prior to final inspection
Small Works Roster for Side Sewer Service Construction
- List of contractors that may install your side sewer connection

Pressure Connection

Each of the following forms is either required or useful when making a side sewer pressure connection. This packet may also be obtained at the Lake Forest Park City Hall.

On-Site Wastewater Systems

Residences with sewer availability (sewer main is within 100' of the property line) must connect if their on-site wastewater system fails according to Lake Forest Park Municipal Code (LFPMC) 13.10. Whenever the property is sold, changes ownership or is re-financed, you must pay the side-sewer connection fee. Connection to the public sewer system is not required when a property is sold, changes ownership or re-financed.

License

Residences that are operating functioning on-site wastewater systems are required to obtain a on-site wastewater system license from the City. View a list of properties that are subject to the on-site wastewater system requirements.

Letter to Residents Regarding On-Site Wastewater System License Program
On-Site Wastewater System License Application