Sewer vs. Septic (What you really need to know)

When buying a home, especially in a rural or vacation market like Bear Lake, how your property handles wastewater is an important factor to understand. Most homes here will be connected to either a municipal sewer system or have a private septic system. Each option has its pros, cons, and responsibilities:

Municipal Sewer

How it works
Wastewater flows through underground pipes to a treatment facility managed by the city or county.

Pros
Minimal maintenance on your end, reliable service, and no need to pump or inspect your own system.

Cons
You’ll pay a monthly sewer fee, and connections aren’t always available in rural areas.

Septic System

How it works
Wastewater flows into an underground tank on your property, where solids settle and liquids drain into a leach field.

Pros
No monthly sewer bill, more independence for rural properties, and often lower upfront connection costs.

Cons
Requires regular pumping (every 3–5 years), inspections, and care to avoid costly repairs.

Knowing whether you’re dealing with sewer or septic isn’t just a technical detail. It can greatly affect your budget, maintenance responsibilities, and even the kind of property you can purchase. As you shop for your Bear Lake home, make sure you understand which system each property uses, and let us know if you have questions!