Forms

Application for Authority Claim Letter (PDF)

Application for Dye Test Inspection* (PDF) valid for one year
*Note: this is not required when refinancing

Secure Link to Make Payment

Sewer Use Rules & Regulations - Appendix D Standard Procedures for Dye Testing (PDF)

Other Information

Dye Test Inspection Brochure (html)

Plumbers List for Repairs (PDF)

* * * *   I M P O R T A N T     N O T I C E   * * * *

Effective January 1, 2024 - Change in Commerical Dye Testing. Additional $50/per Fee for parcels having more than 3 building sewer lateral connections.

Effective January 1, 2023 -The Property Transfer Dye Testing Fees will increase to $275.00 per parcel and parcels without water $325.00.

Property Transfer Documents / Dye Test Inspections

Peters Township Ordinance No. 507 requires that any property owner transferring, selling, or refinancing real estate shall make application and obtain a Document of Certification.

The Document of Certification certifies the status of:

• access of manhole(s) located on the property
• any outstanding tapping fees or assessment
• dye test

The Authority adopted Resolution 04-05-08 amending the Sewer Use Rules and Regulations to include Appendix D – Dye Test Procedures and incorporation of Resolution 98-7-1 for the Policy of Buried Manholes.

PTSA Property Transfer / Refinancing Fees

Application Process

Application for Document of Certification and Dye Test Application must be received at least 21 days in advance of the property closing.

Dye Test Inspections are valid for a period of one year.  Any deficiencies identified during the dye test must be corrected even if the property transfer does not take place. The correction must be made prior to issuance of a Document of Certification.  

Once the application and fee are received, the Sanitary Authority will call the contact person to make an appointment to perform the dye test. Dye tests are performed on Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment.

The PTSA is the entity authorized to perform, or cause to have performed, a dye test in accordance with Peters Township Ordinance No. 507 pertaining to Smoke and Dye Test Ordinance, upon any property undergoing a transfer of title. 

The homeowner or homeowner’s representative must be present for the entire test or the test will be rescheduled. Access to the interior of the property is required. If the homeowner or homeowner’s representative does not show within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment and cannot be contacted by phone, an additional $50.00 fee is due prior to rescheduling another appointment at a later date.

What is a Dye Test?

Dye Testing is a method of introducing dyed water onto and around the structure and grounds to determine if deficiencies are present in the building sewer or if there are prohibited connections to the sewer.  Testing identifies unwanted ground and rainwater that is infiltrating into the sewer, thereby overloading the sewage treatment plant during wet weather events.  Deficient building sewers also exfiltrate sewage into the ground or backup into basements thereby creating a health hazard.  Left unchecked, infiltration will lead to spending millions of dollars in treatment plant expansions, which costs are passed onto consumers. For more information, visit Dye Test Inspection Brochure

Why Dye Test?

The Sanitary Authority, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, is taking steps to eliminate improper water infiltration into the sanitary sewers.  Excessive storm and or surface water can enter the sewer system through prohibited connections and through defective building sewers.  These defects will result in the unnecessary treatment of fresh water, especially during wet weather events, and will increase operating costs which are passed on to consumers.

To reach this goal, Peters Township Council has a process in place requiring all property owners within Peters Township obtain a Document of Certification prior to the sale of property.  The applicant must also make application to have a dye test completed.  Once the results of the dye test are certified, a Document of Certification will be issued.

Manholes on Your Property

Many homes have a manhole on their property, either constructed by the developer of the housing plan or by the Sanitary Authority.  A manhole gives the Sanitary Authority access to the sewers for routine maintenance and emergency work.  If a manhole is located on the property, the property owner is responsible to maintain free and clear access.  As part of the Document of Certification process, if the property has a manhole, verification as to the access of the manhole will be made.   If the manhole is found to be impeded, correction shall be made prior to release of the Certification.  For more information, visit Manholes On Your Property

Sewer Vent Cap, Cleanouts, and Castings

A vent cap is either a plastic or cast iron slotted cap installed on a vent riser.  This allows sewer gas to escape and allows fresh air into the sewer to aid in waste disposal. The vent cap must be raised above grade to eliminate the possibility of water entering the vent. Solid caps are present on building sewer clean-outs and inspection ports.  Not all buildings will have a clean-out and / or inspection port depending on when the property was constructed.  As part of the dye test, the Sanitary Authority will verify the presence and integrity of the cap(s). For more information, visit Sewer Vent Cap