Process
1. PLANNING
Proper planning is an essential part of every successful project. Each project starts with careful review of the scope of work, schedule, budget, and permitting requirements. Challenges and barriers are identified during this stage so that the best approach can be developed to keep the project moving forward. For the Wastewater Expansion project several documents have been or will be developed during the planning stage. These documents include:
- Wastewater Master Plan
- Effluent Re-use Plan
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plans
- Sewer Design Standards
- Sewer Use Ordinance
2. DESIGN
During the design phase, detailed construction drawings and specifications are prepared for the bidding of the project. The drawings include plans, profiles, and details of the work that show all the civil, electrical, architectural, structural, and mechanical components to be included in the project. The plans and specifications communicate to the contractor the extent of the work, materials to be used, and the desired quality of workmanship.
3. ACCESS AGREEMENT
Each residence will be notified by registered mail 6-9 months prior to construction in their area. Each property owner will be requested to sign a "Non-Exclusive License Agreement" that grants Lake Havasu City and its contractors a license to pass over the yard to abandon the septic tank, connecting the home to the sewer, and to remove and replace landscaping or other improvements if necessary.
Please see the 'User Charges' section for more detailed information on this item.
4. BIDDING
After each project is designed it is advertised for bidding. Lake Havasu City advertises the project in the local newspaper as well as state and national publications. As part of the advertisement the following items are reported: due date and time, requirements, pre-bid conference date, instructions on how to pick up drawings, and who to call for technical questions. The bid opening is a public meeting in which each bid proposal is opened and the bid prices are recorded. After the bid opening, the low bid proposal is evaluated to determine if it meets all the project requirements. If all requirements are met, a recommendation is made to the City Council for award. After the City Council passes a vote to award the project, a contract is signed with the contractor.
5. CONSTRUCTION
After the project is awarded, a notice-to-proceed is granted to the contractor to start construction. During the construction phase the contractor procures all materials and performs the work defined in the contract drawings and specifications.
6. INSPECTION
During the course of construction, the City inspects the work being performed by the contractor to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements of the contract documents.
7. BILLING
After each septic tank is decommissioned and the home is connected to the conventional gravity sewer system, the City initiates the billing process. The home owner is assessed a treatment capacity fee and monthly user fees. Please see the ' User Charges' section for more detailed information on this item.