The District owns and operates the system of pipes and pumps that collects and transports wastwater from homes and businesses to the Monterey One Water Regional Treatment Plant. This system is composed of:
• 20 sewer lift or pump stations
• 145 miles of gravity sewer pipeline
• 2,735 manholes
• 8 miles of pressurized pipelines
Learn more about the Monterey One Water Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
To Report a Sewer Backup or Spill Call: (831) 384-6131 or (831) 883-5900
We Work Round-the-Clock to Keep Your Sewer System Working
Sewer System Management Plan. The State of California Waterboards requires all public sewer systems that own and operate one mile or more of sewage pipe to enroll in the Sanitary Systems General Order. A component of that order requires public sewer systems to draft, adopt, and implement a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The District's latest SSMP was adopted in June 2025.
As part of the District's SSMP, the Operations and Maintenance Department performs various preventative maintenance tasks to help keep the sewer lines flowing. Some duties include hydro jetting sewer lines and conducting video inspections of sewer lines to ensure that the lines remain in good condition. Should any of the inspections result in degrading conditions, reactive measures are taken to ensure that issues are corrected promptly.
View the District's Sewer System Management Plan (PDF will open in a new browser tab)
Maintaining Your
Sewer Lateral
How to Prevent and Clear Drainage Clogs
A sewer lateral is a pipe that carries wastewater from your home to the main sewer pipeline. The Marina Coast Water District encourages property owners to inspect and keep their sewer lateral clear of trash, grease, and other materials that can clog and damage pipes. Maintaining your sewer lateral could prevent sewage from backing up into your home.
To prevent clogs in your sewer lateral pipes:
- Don't put fats, oils, or grease down your drains.
- Only flush human waste or toilet paper down your toilet.
- Run water down your garbage disposal to facilitate movement of waste.
- Video inspect your lateral every few years to check for damage and root intrusion.
To clear a simple clogged drain:
- Pour hot water down the drain, and let it sit so it can unclog on its own.
- Use a force ball plunger to push water and remains further down the line.
- Use a plumbing snake or auger for tougher clogs.
To address a more serious, persistent, or recurring clog:
For clogs that cause significant problems such as recurring backups, pooling water in the yard, or standing water in sinks, tubs, and appliance lines, you may need a professional to identify and fix the problem.
Look out for these warning signs:
- Drains that drain slowly or make a gurgling sound.
- Multiple interior drains backing up or clogged at the same time.
- Drains that back up in reaction to other drains being used.
These are all signs of a larger issue with your drains or sewer lateral. If these symptoms appear, call a professional right away.