Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)

1. Who are the current board members and what is their background?"
• Anthony Dursey - Retired
• Catherine C. (CiCi) Kesler
• James D. (Jim) Zimmerman - Mr. Zimmerman is a retired Colorado district court judge having served 30 years. He was the judge who oversaw special districts in Jefferson County. He was one of the organizers and chair of the Jefferson County Community Corrections program now serving over 3000 offenders and organized CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties that provides volunteer citizen advocates in court for abused and neglected children. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Prospect Recreation and Parks District.
• Robert J. (Bob) Burm - Mr Burm is a professional civil engineer. He is retired from the EPA where he worked in its water pollution control programs for most of his career.
• Gregory A. (Greg) Fabisiak - Mr. Fabisiak is employed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and has nearly 30 years of technical and management experience in the water and wastewater industry.
2. Am I a customer of Northwest Lakewood Sanitation District (NWLSD)?
1. Consult the District Boundary Map.
2. Consult your property tax statement.
3. Refer to Jefferson County Assessor website for further information.
3. Who do I call in case of emergency?

In the event of an emergency, the District maintains 24-hour on-call coverage to assist you. You may reach the on-call operator during business hours by calling (303) 833-5505 or after-hours by calling (877) 854-5453.

4. Where are sewer lines located?

In general, sanitary sewer mainlines are located within the Right of Way of most residential streets.  However, NWLSD does have a portion of mainlines that are located within easements that travel along property lines of customers.  

5. Does the District have any information regarding a customer's individual sanitary sewer service?

The District maintains tap tickets on a majority of individual sewer services to assist in location of existing sanitary sewer service (depending on year installed).  If this information is available, it can be provided by contacting the District Office at (303) 987- 0835

6. Why are tap rates set for only one year?

The tap rate structure is reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and modifications are made if deemed appropriate.

7. Where can I find more information regarding the Annual Improvements and where they will be located within the District?

The District posts a map of annual improvements on the NWLSD District website.

8. What is the principal cause of sewer backups?

Often times sewer backups are caused by tree roots that grow into and clog the lines as they seek the water inside the pipe. 

9.  Are there steps a property owner can take to help avoid sewer backups?

There are simple measures you can take to maintain your sewer line in optimum condition, among them:

1. Avoid pouring grease down your drains.
2. Avoid putting foreign objects into fixtures that may cause clogging.
3. Identify where the cleanouts (access points) to your sewer line are and keep them readily accessible in case a plumber needs to access them. Typically, they are located in close proximity to the house in a garden area, in the driveway, or possibly the garage.  If a cleanout is not available, consider constructing one for maintenance purposes.
4. If you have chronic root problems, one solution worth considering is the removal of trees or plants that may be the culprits or remove and replace the sanitary sewer service line.
10. What is a sewer cleanout?

A cleanout is a riser pipe that is placed into a sewer line that provides an opening at ground level for maintenance of the sewer service. If a property has a cleanout, it is generally located outside the home on the service line between the residence and the mainline in the street. 

11. What are the procedures for connecting to the sewer system?

Prior to connecting to any NWLSD sewer system, all tap fees and associated permits required must be paid by the resident. 

If you are installing a new service, the law requires you to call before you dig. There are underground utilities such as gas, phone, cable, and electric, that can be located by calling UNCC (800) 922-1987. To locate sewer main lines and service connections, please call Ramey Environmental Compliance at (303) 833-5505.

12. What is the service responsibility of the property owner?

The owner of the property is responsible for the building service line from their residence to the sewer main. Locating the building sewer and its connection to the service sewer is also the owner's responsibility, although the District will attempt to assist with available records and information. 

13. What is the service responsibility of NWLSD?

Northwest Lakewood Sanitation District is responsible for all the main sewer lines, most of which are located in the street.

14. Who do I call if I need maintenance done to my service?

We cannot recommend a specific company, however we do recommend you call around to get the best price from a certified professional.

15. What if sewer is backing up into my house?

Check with neighbors, if they too have a problem contact NWLSD immediately at (303) 833-5505 (after hours -- (877) 854- 5453). If neighbors are not having the same problems, NWLSD would advise a plumber be contacted to check the service. NWLSD may also be contacted to check the main.

16. Does my homeowner's insurance cover sewer back ups?

You will need to check your insurance policy; many insurance companies do not cover sewer back-ups unless it is a separate policy.

17. My septic system is failing.  Can I connect to the District sewer system?

There are many options, from connecting a single residence in proximity to a sewer main, to inclusion of entire subdivisions. To discuss your options please contact the District office (303) 987-0835.

18. How do I pay my bill?

You may pay your bill with a check or money order made payable to Northwest Lakewood Sanitation District.  Please remit payment to the District at P.O. Box 151611, Lakewood, CO 80215.

19. If you install a private lift station, will the District maintain it?

Any lift station installed shall be privately owned and maintained.

20. What is the District cleaning schedule regarding sanitary mainlines? (Jetting, Root Cutting, Televising, etc.)

One third of the District's mainlines are typically cleaned (Jetting, Root Cutting, Televising, etc.) on an annual basis.

 

21. Whom should I contact if I observe someone dumping something down a manhole?

Please call Ramey Environmental at (303) 833-5505 (after hours -- (877) 854- 5453) immediately if you observe anyone dumping anything down a manhole.

 

Facility pretreatment frequently asked questions

(More detailed information regarding pretreatment facilities can be found in "Northwest Lakewood Sanitation District -- Grease Trap Program 2009")

1. What is the purpose of a Sand/Oil or Grease Interceptor?

A grease interceptor is a device designed and installed to separate and retain grease and other related undesirable matter from normal wastes and permit normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into a wastewater collection system by gravity.

2. Does my facility require a Sand/Oil or Grease Interceptor?

Grease interceptors shall be required for all food preparation establishments which would contribute or cause to contribute, directly or indirectly, any water or wastewater which contains oil and grease, including but not limited to, restaurants, cafeterias, cafes, and fast food organizations.  Additionally, grease interceptors shall be required for all schools, fraternal organizations, churches, hospitals, daycare centers, and other commercial/industrial facilities which have the capability to engage in food preparation or generate sand/oil discharge.

3. How often is NWLSD required to inspect my facility?

Factors such as location, accessibility, capacity, depth of accumulated solids, and verification of maintenance records will determine what category a pretreatment facility is considered:

1. Problem/Signifcant Grease Facilities -- These facilities contribute significant amounts of animal/vegetable oil and grease to the wastewater collection system.  These facilities will be inspected at a frequency of at least once every one (1) to three (3) months.
2. Non-Signficant Grease Facilities - These facilities do not contribute significant amounts of animal/vegetable oil and grease to the wastewater collection system.  These facilities will be inspected at a frequency of at least once every three (3) to six (6) months.
3. Consult the NWLSD Grease Trap Program for more information concerning pretreatment facilities.