Wastewater

In 1975, the District acquired the wastewater treatment plant and treats effluent to secondary/tertiary standards. Major activities include the collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of wastewater. The District operates the wastewater treatment facility, holding ponds, 8 lift stations, maintains over 15 miles of effluent lines, and provides secondary/tertiary wastewater for irrigation to the Bodega Harbour golf course and on the North Disposal Site owned by the District.

b7dd78_9b2e7d58e1eb9a60176449b95ba29bbe.jpg_srz_p_600_264_75_22_0.50_1.20_0

Sanitary Sewer Overflows

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are discharges of untreated wastewater from municipal sanitary sewer systems. SSOs are unsightly and a public health issue. Problems that can cause SSOs include:

  • Infiltration/Inflow (I&I): too much rainfall infiltrating through the ground into sanitary sewers not designed to hold stormwater; leaking manholes; and excess water inflowing through illegal connections such as roof drains.
  • Pipe Failures: blocked, broken or cracked pipes which can be caused by tree roots growing into the sewer lines; fats, oils and grease being poured down drains; and settlement/shifting of ground or pipe.
  • Deteriorating Sewer System: older infrastructure systems can be expensive to repair over time; or system capacity may need to be increased.

The Bodega Bay Public Utility District has an aggressive I/I program to significantly reduce and/or eliminate SSOs. Replacing and rehabilitating these lines and manholes reduces I/I into the sanitary sewer system, thereby protecting the public health, improving treatment plant efficiency and reducing system maintenance.

b7dd78_f93d4a63e828d3107ddd9c865744e1fb.jpg_srz_p_249_151_75_22_0.50_1.20_0Customers who observe a sanitary sewer overflow should report these as emergencies to the Bodega Bay Public Utility District Mon-Sun at 707-875-3332. Please provide the following information when you call.
​
Your Name, Phone #, Location of Overflow/Backup, and Cross Street.
​
Because SSOs can carry bacteria and viruses, do not approach an overflow!