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.
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.
Customers 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;
- Your phone number;
- Location of overflow/backup, including cross street.
Because SSOs can carry bacteria and viruses, do not approach an overflow!