New Sewer Connection
The information in this section applies to new sewer connections for new homes and buildings. If you are looking for information relating to the Septic Tank Elimination Program (STEP), please visit our STEP page.
To connect to the sanitary sewer system, you will need to hire a licensed and bonded contractor or plumber. The contractor will install a lateral line that connects your home to the sewer. The costs for these services vary by property, but average approximately $2,000 to $5,000.
Before your contractor can connect to the new sewer system, you must first pay a sewer connection fee. Currently, the fee is $2,530 for a single-family residential connection. Connection fees for commercial and apartment/condominium buildings can be calculated using the 
Connection Fee Calculation Worksheet.
The sewer connection fee and any other permitting fees and charges are required to be paid before construction permits are issued. If the connection fee is not included in the contractor's estimate to connect your home to the sanitary sewer, homeowners can pay the connection fee using one of the following methods:
1. Pay in person. Make your payment in person at the Department of Code Enforcement (DCE), 1200 S. Madison Ave., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46225. You must go to DCE either after your contractor goes to apply for permits or at the time he or she obtains permits. If you choose this payment option, you must make arrangements with your contractor when you hire him or her to do the work. Your contractor must have already applied for a permit before you make your payment in person. A permit will not be issued until the connection fee is paid.
Cash, personal checks and money orders are accepted, as well as Visa and MasterCard with a valid photo ID. Checks and money orders must be payable to the City of Indianapolis.
DCE's hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
2. Homeowners can have a licensed contractor pay the connection fee at DCE. Give your contractor a check or money order in a sealed envelope. Enclose your check or money order, made payable to the "City of Indianapolis," in a sealed envelope. Your contractor will take your payment to DCE when obtaining the required lateral connection permit. DO NOT SEND CASH in the envelope. Finally, request a receipt or proof from your contractor showing that you used this method to pay the connection fee.
3. Homeowners may also apply to participate in the STEP Financial Assistance Plan. Citizens Water offers the Financial Assistance Plan to help lower-income residents in STEP project areas pay the connection fee over time. A resident with no dependents that has an annual gross household income at or below $46,050 may be eligible for the plan. Additionally, residents will receive a credit of $3,700 for each household dependent.
The Financial Assistance Plan is not a loan. It is an installment plan that allows qualified residents to pay $50 per month, including administrative fees, over 60 months (five years). To apply for the Financial Assistance Plan, call (317) 927-4328 and request an application.
Sanitary sewer lateral connection permits will not be granted until after the Connection Fee Calculation Worksheet is completed and submitted for review. Review of this worksheet may result in a delay of one to five business days for the issuance of the sanitary sewer lateral permit. All fees must be paid to the Department of Code Enforcement prior to issuance of the permit. All other permitting fees and charges still apply.
Once your home is connected to the sewer, you will begin receiving a monthly sewer bill from Citizens Water.
