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Several residents located on the east part of Webster Lake have started an exploratory committee to determine if bringing sewer service to the eastern part of Webster Lake is feasible and desirable. Sewer service is established for all parts of the lake with the exception of High Banks, Webster’s Landing, Weimer’s Landing and Miller’s Landing comprising an area of approximately 180 residences.

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– Background –

This section of Webster Lake is one of the last lake areas in Indiana without active plans for establishing sewer service.
It is estimated that each home produces an estimated 210-310 gallons of wastewater each day. This means that within our proposed area we are collectively depositing between 38,000 - 56,000 gallons of wastewater per day.
Poorly functioning or failed septic systems pose an environmental and public health risk.
Septic systems do not treat bacteria, viruses, or prevent nitrates and phosphorus from leaching into waterways.
Sewer service can have a dramatic impact on improving water quality, clarity and the reduction of weeds/algae and has shown to have significant impact to the economic value of the area and homes.

– Current Situation –

1

A few years ago, a sewer pipeline was installed that runs along the east part of Webster Lake to the North on Epworth Forest Road for the residents of Knapp Lake. The Knapp Lake Conservancy has confirmed that there is enough capacity to accommodate the 180 homes located on the east part of Webster Lake.

2

The Knapp Lake Board has indicated that they are willing to allow us access to their sewer pipeline.

3

Upon investigation, it has been determined that if sewer service is desired for the east part of Webster lake residents of this area need to form their own sewer district and provide the initiative to work with local and regional authorities to complete this project.

– Pros and Cons –

As with any project there are positives and negatives. Through consultation with other regional districts, including Tippecanoe/Chapman Lakes and others throughout the area we have compiled a list of pros and cons for your consideration.

Pros

Property values will almost certainly increase. Particularly in the areas where building and renovation has been significantly restricted due to small lots and grandfathered septic systems.
The elimination of a major source of water pollution stemming from aging septic systems leaching into Webster. Until the mid-90s, septic systems were allowed as close as 50 feet to the lake, and many such septic systems on the east-side of the lake are very old, under-maintained, and nearing the end of their serviceable life.
Reduction of wastewater (sewage) leaching into the lake, providing benefits such as improved water clarity, water quality and reduced weed growth.
Improved lake conditions and cleaner water for current lake users and future generations.
Dramatic improvement in ability to renovate/rebuild existing structures as a result of the elimination of zoning and health authority septic requirements.
Elimination of septic system maintenance and related expenses.
- Septic systems do not completely treat bacteria, viruses, nitrates or phosphorus. Septic systems store or trap some constituents in soil and then discharge the balance to groundwater and surface water around the lakes.
- Undocumented failures and/or poorly functioning systems, coupled with less than ideal soil conditions can contribute to public and environmental health risks.
The Kosciusko County standard for a building site without sanitary sewer is 20,000 sq. ft. This is required to make space for the home, garage, driveway, sidewalks, patio/deck, storage shed/building, initial septic system, replacement septic system, and a 100-foot diameter (50-foot radius) isolation area for the water well under current standards. This 20,000 sq. ft. standard is more than twice the size of the service areas for most Webster home sites which are smaller than 10,000 sq. ft. (based on review of the Kosciusko CountyGIS and zoning ordinance).
Given the age of the residential development at the lake and understanding that many of the on-site septic systems have likely matured (20-25 year life span) to the point that they will need to be replaced, on-site treatment will either become too costly for homeowners to replace or will simply not be possible under current standards.

Cons

If we do not act now to leverage available grant availability, property owners would expect to see an increase in property tax or monthly sewer cost to pay down the debt associated with the project. The conservative sewer utility bill cost range is from $90-$120 per month, plus a hookup fee which would vary from property to property.
Everyone in the district would need to connect to the sewer.

At this time (2021) there are significant opportunities for government grant funding available to reduce the overall cost of the project. In turn, the monthly cost could be reduced to each land owner making a connection. The current availability of such grants makes now the time to act.

– Next Steps –

In order to begin a legitimate exploratory process for bringing sewer to the east section of Webster Lake, we wish to gain consensus of the “freeholders” (one vote per owner(s) of a given parcel) of our defined area on Webster Lake. There are approximately 180 impacted households and we would like to better understand your interest and commitment to this project.