SSLRP
The Sewer Service Line Replacement Program (SSLRP) went into effect on January 2, 2013, to help eligible property owners who are domestic customers in Little Rock with the cost of replacing their sewer service line by reimbursing up to $2,500. This program is part of an ongoing effort to reduce inflow and infiltration, which increases the cost of sanitary sewer collection and treatment as well as the customer’s monthly bill.
SSLRP (Sewer Service Line Replacement Program)
The Sewer Service Line Replacement Program (SSLRP) went into effect on January 2, 2013, to help eligible property owners who are domestic customers in Little Rock with the cost for total replacement of their sewer service line by reimbursing up to $2,500. This program is part of an ongoing effort to reduce inflow and infiltration, which increases the cost of sanitary sewer collection and treatment as well as the customer’s monthly bill.
Once a residential customer or LRWRA determines (either by a plumber or through integrity testing performed by LRWRA) that a total service line replacement is necessary, the property owner may request a Sewer Service Line Replacement Program application from LRWRA by calling 501-688-1426 or emailing Permits@lrwra.com.
After LRWRA receives the completed SSLRP application, the property owner or plumber will contact the LRWRA permits desk at (501) 688-1420 to schedule an Eligibility Inspection to determine if the residential customer’s service line qualifies for this program. The property owner will be advised after the Eligibility Inspection whether or not the service line qualifies for replacement under the program, based on its construction materials and other factors.
The next step will be for either the property owner or the Master Plumber to obtain a Sewer Service Replacement Permit before work begins.
Upon completion of the service line replacement, LRWRA will make a final inspection. If the work is satisfactory, the property owner will then submit all invoices, including the Master Plumber’s invoice and all LRWRA permit fees, if applicable.
Finally, LRWRA will issue a reimbursement check up to $2,500 to the property owner.
With the recommendation of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission (formerly the Little Rock Sanitary Sewer Committee), the Little Rock Board of Directors, on June 5, 2012, passed Ordinance No. 20,590, which established the Sewer Service Line Replacement (SSLRP) Program. The SSLRP Program is funded by adding $1 to the monthly residential bill of all domestic customers with a water meter of 3/4 inch or smaller. All funds collected for the program are placed in a special fund used solely for reimbursing eligible participants. The maximum reimbursement to any eligible participant was set at $2,500.
Beginning January 4, 2016, an alternate funding source became available for use when specified conditions are met by the domestic customer. The SSLRP Program Procedures were revised at that time to clarify the requirements to qualify for this funding source. The overall effect of the revision was to accelerate the rate of reduction in inflow and infiltration in the collection system by providing funds for more qualifying domestic customers to completely replace their failing sewer service lines and become eligible for the $2,500 maximum reimbursement. This revision to the Program has been recognized nationally through the EPA Pisces Award.
The SSLRP Program was designed to encourage the total replacement of older sewer service lines, which contribute to stormwater infiltration into the Collection System. Replacing older sewer service lines helps reduce the costs of adding capacity to the Collection System. It also reduces the amount of sewage flow to the Water Reclamation Facilities.
The SSLRP is a program designed to assist eligible residential Property Owners with the cost of total replacement of the private sewer service line.
The service line is the plumbing connection extending five (5) feet from the residence to the sanitary sewer main. The service line is part of the Property Owners’ assets. It is the Property Owners’ responsibility to maintain and, when necessary, repair or replace a defective sewer service line.
Several factors can influence a service line’s lifespan, including age, pipe material, ground conditions, trees, and other plants.
The Property Owners may notice or experience difficulties with slow drains and backups. The service line may require total replacement if any of the above factors render it incapable of moving wastewater from the property to the sanitary sewer collection system. In general, a qualified Master Plumber should be able to advise a Property Owner whether the service line can be repaired or if a total replacement is required.
Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) conducts smoke testing during capital projects to determine whether there is Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) in existing mains. This is a large-scale endeavor covering multiple sewer lines and the associated service lines. LRWRA does NOT conduct smoke testing on individual Property Owners’ sewer service lines.
The Property Owners of a single-family residence that use meters of 3/4 inch or less, and are customers of LRWRA.
If the Property Owner has been made aware, either through their own investigation (plumber) or through a letter from LRWRA stating that the sewer service line failed smoke testing and thus requires a repair or replacement, then the Property Owner may apply to the SSLRP Program by following the SSLRP Program Procedure to determine eligibility. Applications can be obtained in person at LRWRA, 11 Clearwater Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72204; on the webpage for the Sewer Service Line Replacement Program; or by calling LRWRA at 501-688-1426 or 501-688-1420.
After LRWRA reviews the application, a site visit may be scheduled to determine eligibility. Factors considered for eligibility include pipe age, pipe material, and pipe condition. Older pipes that do not meet the current LRWRA specification for pipe materials (LRWRA Standard Specifications 02610), pipes that are deteriorated and are allowing inflow and infiltration of groundwater, or pipes that have collapsed, qualify for the SSLRP. Full program procedures are available on the SSLRP webpage or by calling 501-688-1426 or 501-688-1420.
Eligible participants for SSLRP can be reimbursed for expenses incurred for the total replacement of the sewer service line, up to $2,500. Upon completion of the work and submittal of the Reimbursement Form to LRWRA, customers will be issued a check for the eligible reimbursement amount, usually within 2 weeks of submittal.
In June 2012, the Little Rock Board of Directors passed Ordinance No. 20,590, which named the ordinance the “Sewer Service Line Replacement Program.” Ordinance No. 20,590 implemented funding for the Sewer Service Line Replacement Program (SSLRP) through the addition of $1 to the sewer bill for each residential service line under 3/4 inches. This money is placed in a special fund from which only reimbursements through the SSLRP can be withdrawn, ensuring that the funds are returned to the ratepayers of the City of Little Rock.