Not sure if your Camas home is on sewer, septic, or STEP? You are not alone. The answer can change your timeline, disclosures, and what buyers will ask during negotiations. In this quick guide, you will learn how to confirm your system, what paperwork to gather, and the rules that matter at sale. Let’s dive in.
Sewer, septic, or STEP in Camas
Public sewer at a glance
Most homes on public sewer send wastewater by gravity to city mains and treatment. Billing uses a winter water-use average plus flat fees, which helps buyers estimate ongoing costs. You can review how winter averaging works in the City’s utility FAQ at the City of Camas FAQs.
On-site septic basics
Some properties use a traditional on-site septic system with a tank and drainfield on the property. These systems need regular pumping and inspection. If you have a drainfield, keep maintenance records handy and plan for buyer questions about age, service dates, and any repairs.
What STEP means in Camas
Camas uses many Septic Tank Effluent Pumping systems. A STEP setup includes a tank and pump at your home, and the liquid effluent is pushed through small pipes to the city’s collection system. The City reports serving about 8,500 accounts with more than 6,000 STEP systems and maintains STEP tanks and pump control panels. Homeowners are responsible for the building sewer from the house to the tank and for keeping tank lids and risers accessible. You can confirm responsibilities and find contacts on the City of Camas Utilities page.
Why it matters when you sell
Disclosure you must provide
Washington’s seller disclosure law requires you to state if your property is on public sewer or an on-site system and to disclose permits, repairs, maintenance, and location details. Complete this section accurately and attach records. You can review the statute at RCW 64.06.
Inspections sellers will need by 2027
State code updates will require a property-transfer inspection for on-site sewage systems starting February 1, 2027, subject to local health officer rules. Plan ahead by tracking Clark County’s implementation steps and inspector lists. See the statewide update in the Washington State WAC notice and monitor Clark County Public Health’s OSS page for local guidance.
If sewer is nearby
If your on-site system fails and a public sewer is available within about 200 feet and the utility allows the connection, state rules require you to connect and abandon the old system. If you might need to connect, get estimates early for fees and construction. Review the rule context in the state’s WAC update on OSS and request fee and permit steps from the Clark Regional Wastewater District’s connect-to-sewer guide.
Camas seller quick check
- Confirm your system type. Check past bills, city records, or county parcel data to verify public sewer, STEP, or conventional septic. Many Camas homes have STEP, which is city-maintained downstream. Start with the City of Camas Utilities page.
- Gather paperwork now. Collect permits, as-builts, pumping and inspection dates, alarm service logs, and repair invoices. This supports the required disclosures under RCW 64.06.
- Expose lids and test alarms. If you have STEP, make sure lids and risers are accessible and note the last time the alarm was serviced. The City maintains STEP tanks and control panels, while you maintain the line from the house to the tank. See responsibilities in the City FAQs.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection. A fresh inspection or pump report builds buyer confidence and may streamline closing, especially with statewide time-of-sale rules coming in 2027. Coordinate with the City on STEP maintenance history and check Clark County Public Health for current local procedures.
- Check sewer availability and get quotes. If a public main is nearby, request a connection estimate, including system development charges and permits. Start with the CRWWD connect-to-sewer guide if your parcel is in their service area, or contact the City if it serves your address.
- Know the 200-foot rule for failures. If your on-site system fails and sewer is within about 200 feet, connection may be required. Review the state’s OSS rule update and call the County promptly if you discover a failure.
- Assemble a buyer packet. Include the completed disclosure, maintenance and repair records, and any inspection results. New WAC rules will require transfer inspections for OSS starting Feb 1, 2027, so having documents in order helps.
Pricing and buyer confidence tips
- Lead with clarity in your listing. Note whether the home is on public sewer, STEP, or septic. If STEP, mention that the City maintains the tank and pump controls, and that lids are accessible.
- Share recent service dates. A clean pump report or inspection within the past few years can reduce buyer hesitation.
- Include utility cost context. Point buyers to the City’s winter-average billing explanation in the City FAQs so they can estimate monthly costs.
Local contacts and resources
- City of Camas Utilities and STEP information: Activities and Services and City FAQs
- Clark County Public Health On-site Sewage System program and assistance: Program overview and updates
- Clark Regional Wastewater District: Connect to sewer steps and fees
- State rules: RCW 64.06 seller disclosures and WAC update on transfer inspections, effective 2027
Ready to prep your Camas listing with less stress? I can help you confirm your system, gather the right paperwork, and share the story buyers need to see. Reach out to Joy Johnson for clear next steps and a confident sale.
FAQs
What is a STEP system in Camas?
- A STEP system uses a tank and pump at your home to send effluent to the city’s collection system, and the City maintains many STEP tanks and pump controls while you maintain the pipe from the house to the tank. See the City of Camas Utilities page.
Do Camas sellers need a septic inspection before sale today?
- Clark County focuses on maintenance and reporting today, but statewide rules require on-site system inspections at property transfer starting February 1, 2027, so you should plan ahead and check Clark County Public Health for current steps.
Who handles STEP alarms and maintenance in Camas?
- The City maintains STEP tanks and pump control panels and provides alarm contacts, and you are responsible for exposing lids and maintaining the pipe from the house to the tank; see the City FAQs.
How are Camas sewer bills calculated for buyers?
- The City uses a winter water-use average plus flat fees for sewer billing, which helps estimate monthly costs; review details in the City FAQs.
If my septic fails and sewer is nearby, must I connect?
- Yes, if an on-site system fails and a public sewer is available within about 200 feet and the utility allows the connection, state rules require connection and abandonment of the on-site system; see the state WAC update.
