Lenn – different systems require different maintenance – we generally have 3 types of systems – a standard system, and two different sand filters – now we have the additional nitrate reducing systems that have been the controversy  in our area.  Our standard systems require the least amount of maintenance and are the least expensive to install.  The new rule requires ALL  systems to be upgraded to with the new nitrate reducing system – which is an additional tank with a filter system in it that now requires electricity and a phone line.

Marchel – I am familiar with the system you speak about – you are right in general we do not have them here… however the sewer system in La Pine, Oregon Water Wonderland and Sunriver are a larger scale of this system – the gray water is actually used to water hay or alfalfa then that is sold to help absorb the cost.  It works for the area but would not work on a smaller level because of the colder climate we have.

Lynda – it always makes me chuckle and fear for the buyer when an agent from out of the area writes on a listing of mine – they have no idea what to do to protect the buyer – local issues are generally well known by the locals – with the majority of our buyers coming from out of the area the buyer has no idea of what they should know about an area.

Lisa – the County claims to have a program for low income assistance – however those funds are coming from the sale of County land that is being developed as a new neighborhood… with our market at the lowest it has been in years – the funds are obviously not as available as most would think they are.  The homeowner has the full responsibility of putting in the new system – with the contractor of their choosing – there are two issues I personally see - #1 the cost of retro fitting or replacing your system – and #2 the maintenance – there is only one company certified to maintain these new systems – although it is rumored that there is now a second one – I have not found the certification published yet.  The County Commissioners took it upon themselves to vote this in as an emergency  which allowed them to do this without public process.

Margaret – no older systems are not grandfathered in…. EVERY system must be upgraded, replaced or moved because of this new rule.  The costs will be between $5000 and $35,000 – the Commissioners in most people’s opinion are WRONG – many experts testify that we have the perfect soil for the filtration of nitrates and more. 

Elizabeth – your recommendation of spending the $125 makes perfect sense to me.  We do not generally have the issue of tree roots and such in our lines because of the amount of land most homes sit on and the type of trees that grow in our region – I do suggest a buyer have the septic pumped and inspected prior to closing – generally this cost is under $200 – when a tank has not been replaced with concrete and is still a steal tank from the early 70’s a tank replacement is almost always required.  With the new rule – if a tank replacement is required it may be in the best interest of all parties to go ahead with the upgrade.

Fred – Times are tough and there are a lot of uncertainties  in our market and Local Rule is no exception.  However, I personally feel that now that we know what we have to deal with we can start dealing with it and educating our buyers and sellers – since at this point we have 14 years to accomplish an upgrade – I doubt this will be a deal breaker except for the possible failing system – which would have been an issue even without local rule.