Achieving Zero Sewer Spills
Sewer System Management Plan
Sanitary Sewer Service
The South Coast Water District is responsible for the management, operation, maintenance and capacity assurance of the sanitary sewer collection system in its service area, which includes inspecting, cleaning, repairing and monitoring the sewer lines, force mains, and lift stations.
The sewer collection system removes four million gallons per day of wastewater from homes and businesses and conveys it to treatment plants operated by the South Orange County Wastewater Authority. The system consists of:
- 141 miles of gravity sewer lines
- 14 sewer lift stations
- 3 miles of force mains
- 3,722 manholes and vaults
Meeting Regulations
In 2003, the District-wide conducted an independent video assessment of its sewer collection system. It oversaw a comprehensive audit of the District’s practices to ensure compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates and requirements. The audit resulted in the February 2004 "Implementation Plan for Compliance."
The comprehensive programs developed and implemented from 2004 through 2006 positioned the District to meet the State's requirements for a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The District submitted that Plan to the State Water Resources Control Board in July 2009, and it is provided here on our website (see picture).
The purpose of the SSMP is to describe the District’s activities in managing its wastewater collection system in order to:
- Further eliminate preventable sewer spills
- Minimize those spills that may occur
- Protect both public health and the environment
Zero Sewer Spill Policy
The District policy is Zero Sewer Spills. Since 2004, the number of District-related sewer spills has decreased from a high of nine in one year to an average of 1 or 2 per year. This results from the District’s investments in preventative maintenance programs, capital improvements, and advanced employee training and certification. The average volume per spill is less than 100 gallons. Additionally, all spills have been mitigated in a timely manner and have not negatively impacted public health or the environment.
Private Sewer Spills
The majority of sewer spills in our service area result from roots or grease blocking private sewer lines that connect homes and businesses to the District’s system.
- The District proactively informs and educates customers about the need to inspect (video), clean and rehabilitate, as needed, their private sewer lines. Click here for frequently-asked questions and here for the flyer: Do You Have FROGs In Your Sewer Line?
- The District has a robust Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Control Program called, The Drain Is Not A Dump, for food service establishments. The program requires these establishments to secure a permit from the District, renewable every three years. The District provides extensive employee training and management tools for this program and follows up, at least annually, with independent inspections to verify use of kitchen best management practices. Click here for The Drain Is Not A Dump section of our website.
- In partnership with the City of Dana Point, the District funds a Grease Interceptor Rebate Program that provides monetary incentive for food service establishments to install interceptors. Those establishments in compliance with Kitchen Best Management Practices and/or with grease interceptors qualify for significantly lower sewer usage rates. Click here for program brochure.
- The District continues to clean, at least quarterly, the private sewer lines of restaurants that are considered "hot spots" for potential FOG blockage.
