Wastewater management is a big responsibility for a Homeowners Association (HOA). Up to 90% of the annual budget for a HOA may be allocated to management and future planning of the wastewater system. For many Homeowners Associations, there is a lag time between the start-up of a community treatment system and the realization that there are key planning and management components that must be in place for successful management of their onsite wastewater system.

Homeowners Associations need a certified operator that fully understands their water or wastewater system. They also need a liaison who can guide them through the ins and outs of technical, regulatory, and financial issues that arise in managing a water or wastewater system. EcoCheck doesn't just operate water and wastewater systems; we provide a full range of services to help Associations proactively manage their system on a day-to-day basis and for the life of the system.

• Annual and long-term financial planning. EcoCheck works with Associations to update water and/or wastewater financial plans on an annual basis, and reviews budgets to ensure that the monthly rate structure for the coming year is adequate to cover anticipated expenses. To facilitate cash flow, EcoCheck provides long-term financial planning so that the Association is able to plan for major capital expenditures before they occur. Monthly rate planning is a crucial component of risk management; the difference between a rate structure that protects homeowners and one that can require a special one-time assessment can be as small as $3.00/month.
  How to set an annual budget · How to set a monthly billing rate

• Operations and maintenance (O&M) for system. The Association is responsible for maintaining the water and/or wastewater system. Having a knowledgeable operator for your water or wastewater system protects homeowners from environmental liability. EcoCheck also provides regulatory, sample collections, preventative maintenance, and system operation through MPCA-trained and certified operations staff.

• Regulatory reporting and compliance. EcoCheck ensures that engineering designs are in compliance with regulatory permits, before, during, and after the system is constructed. We provide regulatory reports that comply with reporting requirements at the county and state level.
  Example year-end report

• 24/7 emergency services. EcoCheck is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle any emergencies that may arise with your water or wastewater system. Having an operator who can respond quickly to emergency situations minimizes the potential for property damage and environmental issues.

• Homeowner education. Education is a key component of running a successful water or wastewater system. EcoCheck provides newsletters to residents that educate them about their system and help them understand what they can do to promote good water and wastewater practices.
  Newsletter · Important Updates · Tips for Homeowners

• Contingency plans. We provide our Homeowners Associations with a contingency plan that documents and outlines procedures before an emergency happens so homeowners aren't forced to deal with problems "on the fly".

• Board meetings. Homeowners Associations need a water and wastewater operator that will attend board meetings at least once annually. By attending Association meetings, EcoCheck facilitates communication between the Association and the Operator, and represents the Association on any technical or regulatory issues that arise in owning and managing a water or wastewater system.

• Resources. EcoCheck is a leader in the field of decentralized wastewater management and planning. We produce articles and presentations for local and national conferences.
  Article: Wastewater Management Ideas for Successful Homeowners Associations