Sonoma Water recently held a series of community meetings to discuss a proposed sewer lateral ordinance aimed at preventing sewer overflows that occur during heavy rains. The ordinance would apply to the Russian River and Occidental County Sanitation Districts, and the Airport/Larkfield/Wikiup, Geyserville, and Sea Ranch Sanitation Zones, all of which are operated by Sonoma Water.
The ordinance would provide Sonoma Water with the ability to inspect, and if necessary, require the repair of sewer laterals that are failing and contributing to pollution and sewer overflows. The proposed ordinance will NOT require any point-of-sale sewer lateral inspections or repairs.
The proposed ordinance would not include a mandatory inspections program, but if faulty laterals are detected during routine inspections, Sonoma Water could require repairs. An inspection could also be required if a main sewer line that is connected to the lateral is being replaced or rehabilitated.
The ordinance is proposed in five sanitation zones and districts Sonoma Water manages in Sonoma County.
Learn more about the Proposed Sewer Lateral Ordinance