Phone: (831) 384-6131
(Customer Service & 24-hour Emergency)
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MCWD Wastewater Collection and Treatment

Wastewater Collection & Treatment

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Maintaining Your
Sewer Lateral

How to Prevent and Clear Drainage Clogs

Maintaining Your Sewer Lateral

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.

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Protecting Health and The Bay with Wastewater Collection and Treatment

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

MCWD Wastewater Collection and Treatment

Nothing Down the Drain Except Poo and TP

How You Can Help Us Protect the Bay Environment

Nothing Down The Drain But Poo And TP

Marina Coast Water District reminds you to check for the "Do Not Flush" symbol on non-flushable wet wipes packaging. This symbol is now provided on packages for consumers nationwide on non-flushable wipes commonly used in a bathroom setting.

Studies show that 98% of materials that clog equipment at wastewater treatment plants are non-flushable such as:

  • Baby Wipes
  • Cleaning Wipes
  • Makeup removal/facial wipes
  • And Paper Towels and Feminine Hygiene Products

Please do not flush unapproved wipes down the drain as they can clog sewer line and pipes, leading to sewer backups and spills.

Remember to #FlushSmart.

Learn more about responsibile flushing here.

Keep Fats, Oil, Grease (Fog) Out Of Your Drains

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tells us that grease from restaurants, homes, and industrial sources are the most common cause of reported blockages.

  • Never pour fats, oils, or grease down a sink or garbage disposal. 
  • Let F.O.G. cool, pour it into a container and dispose of in your trash trash. 
  • Clean F.O.G. from pans and dishes by scraping and absorbing with a paper towel. 
  • Hot water and soap do not eliminate F.O.G. because it will eventually reform and solidify in pipes.

Learn how to dispose of Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG) here.

Marina Coast Water District partners with the Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group to help keep Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) out of sewer pipelines. The FOG program local businesses to safely dispose of grease.

Learn more about the Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group.

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 February 2022.

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