Residents can do their part to improve sewer system . . .

Hillsborough is enlisting the help of its residents to protect local waterways and the waters of San Francisco Bay by addressing several key issues that contribute to an overburdened sewer system.

Sewer Treatment Capacity

Due in part to limited downstream sewer treatment capacity, the Town experiences sanitary sewer overflows (SSO), mainly during wet weather events. While Hillsborough is working with other jurisdictions and regulators to expand treatment capacity, Town officials have identified problems in the sewer collection system and have authorized $19 million in the past 12 years to repair and upgrade sewer mains and trunk lines. An additional $13 million in capital improvements are proposed over the next 5 years.

Sewer Laterals

Another key factor in solving the problem is the maintenance and repair of sewer laterals, the lines that run from each residence to the sewer main. When laterals become cracked or damaged by tree roots, groundwater seeps into the sewer lines during wet weather, the system becomes overloaded and leads to SSOs and unpermitted discharges into the Bay. It can also lead to sewer backups in residences. This is where residents can do their part to solve the problem by having their sewer laterals inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary. Given the choice, most residents will do the right thing and help to solve the problem.

Inflow and Infiltration

Sewer laterals often become cracked or damaged when tree roots break into the line. Inflow is then created when groundwater enters the sewer system through the damaged lateral. During wet weather events, inflow and infiltration can increase sewer flows by 300 percent, leading to SSOs and unpermitted discharges. That is why it is important that laterals be inspected and maintained.

If residents are having their laterals serviced on a regular basis, they should consider having them repaired or replaced. Several technologies exist where laterals can be lined with a non-corrosive material or injected with foam to prevent root intrusion. Call the Public Works Department for more information about qualified plumbing contractors at 375-7444.

View a recent City Council presentation regarding inflow and infiltration

How You Can Help

• Avoid putting fats, oils or egg shells down the sink or garbage disposal. Grease is a major cause of sewer stoppages.

• If you plant trees in your yard, avoid planting them near your sewer lateral. Root intrusion damages mains and laterals. Town crews can help you located the sewer lateral on your property.

• Do not flush plastic materials of any kind down the toilet, including feminine hygiene products or wrappers. These can clog lines, cause backups and damage pumps.

• Flush only toilet paper down the toilet. Paper towels and other paper materials do not degrade quickly and can cause backups.

• The town provides free pop-up covers for residential sewer clean-outs. Town crews can help you find your clean out.

For more information about the town sewer system,

Visit Sewer FAQs: /about/faqs.asp

More information is also available at http://www.sewersmart.org/