Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Septic-to-Sewer Planning Project

What: Clean Water State Revolving Fund Septic-to-Sewer Planning Project

Where: The communities of Whispering Palms, South City, Caliente Sands Mobile Home Park, Royal Palms Mobile Home Park, Papaya/Pomegranate Lane and Lakeview Villas

When: 
Planning and Design – Spring 2025 through Spring 2027
Construction – Start date to be determined; anticipated to begin after planning and design are complete

Project Background: 
The City of Cathedral City is working on the engineering design phase for the Septic-to-Sewer Planning Project. This effort is a vital infrastructure initiative to transition six neighborhoods within the City from septic systems that are aging and failing to a municipal wastewater collection system. 

The existing septic systems in the six project neighborhoods are being studied for connection to existing municipal sewer systems with two local providers, Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) and Desert Water Agency (DWA). 

The project is currently in the planning and design phase and is being funded by a state grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund through the California State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate, design and develop the necessary documentation for implementation. For more funding information, scroll down to the Grant Funding Information section.

Project Locations:
The six project areas are listed below. Click the link for each project area to view a map of the specific streets included.

Served by the Coachella Valley Water District:
Caliente Sands Mobile Home Park
Royal Palms Mobile Home Park
Papaya Lane and Pomegranate Lane 
South City Neighborhood
Whispering Palms Neighborhood

Served by the Desert Water Agency:
Lakeview Villas

What's Happening Now:

Early Planning and Design - The City is in the early stages of the project, currently developing the necessary plans, designs and environmental documentation. This effort includes communicating with property owners and managers to locate existing septic tanks. Design is expected to be completed in 2027, with construction to be scheduled later. 

Seeking Additional Funding - While the planning and design are funded by a CWSRF grant, the City is actively working with CVWD and DWA to find grants to cover construction costs. Construction of the project is contingent on the State Water Board’s review, approval and providing grant funding.

Benefits of Switching to Sewer:
- Increase property value by replacing outdated septic systems.
- Eliminate septic system maintenance — no more maintenance or costly repairs.
- Reduce odors caused by failing septic tanks.
- Protect groundwater quality by preventing potential contamination.
- Enhance sustainability by expanding the amount of wastewater that can be treated and recycled for beneficial use.

Project Documents:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Grant Funding information: 

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which may include capitalization funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. 

Project Contact: