Septic Tank Elimination Program

More than 25,000 homes in Marion County are served by private septic systems. Septic systems have a limited life and eventually fail over time. Failing septic systems leak human waste into groundwater, backyards and neighborhood ditches and streams. This untreated waste can lead to high levels of harmful bacteria in the water supply, thus posing a variety of health hazards.

To address health hazards in our neighborhoods, the Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP) was implemented to convert many neighborhoods on septic systems to the sanitary sewer system. STEP plans include bringing sewers to approximately 7,000 homes by 2013. This will address more than 25 percent of the 25,000 homes still on septic systems in Indianapolis. Neighborhoods with higher septic system failure rates are the priority of STEP.

STEP is a very beneficial program. More homes on the sanitary sewer system greatly reduce health and environmental hazards as a result of fewer failing septic tanks. Additionally, cleaner streams and neighborhoods are safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

For more STEP information, please contact the STEP Information Line at (317) 927-4328.

Connecting to the Sanitary Sewer System

Once the construction of the sanitary sewer system in your neighborhood is complete, you will be notified. You will be required to connect to the new sewer system within six months of this notification.

To connect to the new sewer system, you will need to hire a licensed and bonded contractor. This contractor will abandon your septic tank and install a lateral line that connects your home to the new sewer. The costs for these services vary by property, but average approximately $2,000-$2,500.

Connection fees for commercial and apartment/condominium buildings can be calculated using the Connection Fee Calculation Worksheet.

The sewer connection fee and any other permitting fees and charges are required to be paid before construction permits are issued. If the connection fee is not included in your contractor's bid for the work, then you may pay the connection fee by one of the methods described below.

Pay in person. Make your payment in person at the Department of Code Enforcement, 1200 S. Madison Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46225. You must go to the Office of Code Enforcement either before your contractor obtains permits, or at the time he/she is obtaining permits. If you choose this payment option, you must make arrangements with your contractor when you hire him/her to do the work. Your contractor must have already applied for a permit before you make your payment in person.

Cash, personal checks and money orders are accepted, as well as Visa and MasterCard with a valid photo ID. Checks and money orders must be payable to the City of Indianapolis.

The Department of Code Enforcement's lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
Give your contractor a check or money order in a sealed envelope. Enclose your check or money order, made payable to the City of Indianapolis, in a sealed envelope and give to your contractor. He/she will take your payment to the Department of Code Enforcement when he/she goes to obtain construction permits. Do not send cash in this envelope. Ask for a receipt or proof from your contractor that you used this method to pay the connection fee.
If your family makes less than $46,050 a year, apply for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan. The STEP Financial Assistance Plan was developed to help lower-income residents in STEP project areas pay the connection fee over time.

The Financial Assistance Plan is not a loan. It is an installment plan that allows qualified residents to pay $50 per month, including administrative fees, over 60 months (5 years).

Call (317) 927-4328 to request an application packet.

Sanitary sewer lateral connection permits will not be granted until after the Connection Fee Calculation Worksheet is completed and submitted for review. Review of this worksheet may result in a delay of 1-5 business days for the issuance of the sanitary sewer lateral permit. All fees must be paid to the Department of Code Enforcement prior to issuance of the permit. All other permitting fees and charges still apply.

Once your home is connected to the sewer, you will begin receiving a monthly sewer bill from Citizens Water.

STEP Financial Assistance Program

If your gross annual household income is less than $46,050 a year, you qualify for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan. For each additional dependent in the household, you will receive a credit of $3,700. For example, if you are single or married with one dependent and your gross annual household income is less than $49,750, you qualify for the STEP Financial Assistance Plan.

This plan is not a loan; it is an installment plan. It allows qualified homeowners to pay $50 per month, which includes administrative fees, for 60 months (five years). These payments will total $3,000. If you wish, you may pay off the balance early.

You may apply for the STEP Financial Assistance Program when you receive notification that the sewer construction in your neighborhood is complete. However, you must apply within three months of this notification. Once approved, you will receive a certificate that you will file when you apply for sanitary sewer lateral connection permit.

The application requires proof of taxable income for your household. You must include a copy of your most recent Federal Income Tax Return. If you do not file a Federal Income Tax Return because you receive Social Security or Disability benefits, you must provide a Statement of Earnings. The Social Security or Disability office can provide this statement for you, free of charge. Please call (800)-772-1213 to request this information.

To obtain a STEP Financial Assistance Plan application, call the STEP Information Line at (317) 927-4328.

STEP Handouts

STEP General Information

STEP General FAQs

STEP Finanacial Assistance Plan FAQs and Application

How to Hire a Contractor

Grinder Pump FAQs