Septic or Sewer?
April 15th, 2008 categories: Building in Lincoln County, Ruidoso FAQs
Without a doubt, this is not a subject that most people enjoy discussing, but in a rural mountain community like Ruidoso, this IS an issue that every home owner must face sooner or later. When I work with a buyer who is considering purchasing a property, this issue always surfaces, so I thought it would be helpful to post the ins and outs of “liquid waste disposal in New Mexico”. In September of 2005, liquid waste disposal laws in New Mexico changed significantly. For detailed information, please refer to the New Mexico Environmental Department website.
Below are some basic facts which anyone purchasing a home or lot in Lincoln County should be aware:
- Just because the lot is located in the Village of Ruidoso, does not mean that the property has access to the village sewer system. There are several subdivisions in Ruidoso where sewer is not currently available (Pine Cliff, Forrest Heights, Airport West, and areas of Upper Canyon, to name a few)
- The cost (also known as “impact fees”) for connecting new construction to sewer and water, where these services do exist, is currently in excess of $6,000 (please call the Village at 575-257-4343 for current fees).
- Where sewer is not available, whether in the village or in the county, a minimum lot size of .75 acre is required in order to qualify for a regular (non-aerobic) system. Typical cost for a non-aerobic system is currently $3,000 - $5,000 depending on the topography. If your lot is not at least .75 acre, state law now requires that an aerobic (advanced) system be installed. Aerobic systems are required to be maintained quarterly, by a certified septic professional. Cost for this annual maintenance can range from $500 - $1,000 annually.
- If your lot is larger than .75 acre, you may qualify for a regular septic system if you have sufficient soil and the right type of soil for the system to operate properly. This can only be determined by a certified septic professional.
- If you are selling a home or property in New Mexico, please be aware that it is now state law that your septic system pass inspection. In Lincoln County, the seller usually pays for the septic inspection, repair and pumping. Costs are typically; $350 for inspection, $350 for pumping and repairs if needed can range from $100 - $2,000 or more. If a regular (non-aerobic system) fails inspection and the property is less than .75 acre, the owner may be required to install an aerobic system at a cost of $8,000 - $12,000. So the message for property owners with an existing non-aerobic system is “take care of your system”. Have it pumped and maintained regularly. Under current law, as long as your system does not “fail”, you can keep your aerobic system even if your lot is LESS than .75 acre, but if it ever fails, you will be required to install an aerobic system.
- For additional information, please visit NMED Liquid Waste FAQs
If you have questions that were not answered in this article, please contact me at mary@ruidoso-homes.com and I will do my best to provide more information.
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