Private Sewer Lateral

Streamline Plumbing Serves the Oakland, Danville, Walnut Creek, and Pleasanton Areas

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), working with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), is directing the effort to keep the Bay clean. The EPA and RWQCB are asking the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), one sewer district, and six cities in the area to repair old, broken sanitary sewer pipes to prevent the infiltration of rainwater. This kind of issue can overrun wastewater treatment facilities, leading to untreated or partially treated sewage that will then be released into the Bay, causing a mix of clean and untreated water.

What is PSL?

A private sewer lateral (PSL) is the pipe that joins the plumbing from a home or business to the sanitary sewer main, usually in the street. It relays sewage from properties to the public sanitary sewer. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the sewer lateral.

Outdated and broken sewer laterals allow rainwater and groundwater into the sewer system. As mention previously, excess water can overwhelm the sewer system and cause untreated water to be released into the Bay. Repairing broken PSLs helps protect the Bay.

Who is Affected?

Evaluate whether you are covered by the Regional PSL Ordinance. Only EBMUD wastewater customers are affected. See www.eastbaypsl.com for details.
Become familiar with the 3 trigger conditions. The Regional PSL Ordinance is only applicable if you build or remodel in excess of $100,000, you place your property on sell, or change the capacity of your water meter.
Ask whether your PSL is exempt. It may be exempt if it has been completely replaced in the last 10 years and you can provide valid evidence of that date.
If your property IS affected AND one of the trigger conditions is met AND your PSL is NOT exempt, go directly to the guidelines for the trigger condition and find the one that applies to you.

The Ordinance is in effect in the following locations: Alameda, Kensington, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond Annex, Emeryville, and Piedmont.

Call (510) 843-3210 Today to Learn More!