Sewer work should clear the air near Wauconda

Homeowners near Wauconda are looking forward to less odor and rising property values as a $3 million sewer project nears completion.

Residents living in the Spencer Highlands and Elmcrest subdivisions along Bangs Lake in unincorporated Lake County have been dealing with old and failing septic sewer systems for years. Besides the nasty smell of dirty water puddling in some backyards, there were potential health hazards to the residents of the nearly 120 houses.

But residents successfully petitioned the Village of Wauconda in 2006 to be connected to the city's sewer system and construction is underway. In addition to the elimination of the health risks, homeowners expect their properties to become more valuable as an added bonus.

"You can't make an addition to your home or any other major improvements while you're on an existing septic system," said Wauconda Public Works Director Dave Geary. "Once they are connected to city sewer they can make major home improvements and increase the value of their property," he said.

The project is a cooperative effort between Lake County and the Village of Wauconda. The funds were secured by the county, and the installation is being done by the village.

The project should be complete by early spring, Geary said. The village will also repair and improve the landscaping along the path that's currently torn up.

"We're happy to have them as customers now," Geary said.