Describe East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program (PSL) here

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) is spearheading an effort to keep the Bay clean. The EPA and RWQCB are requiring the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), six East Bay cities, and one sewer district to fix old, cracked sanitary sewer pipes to ensure they don't allow the infiltration of rainwater which can overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, resulting in untreated or partially treated sewage being released into the Bay. As a result, EBMUD and its partners have phased in the East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) Ordinance in some east bay communities. Affected property owners will be required to obtain a certificate from EBMUD indicating that their PSLs are without defects and have proper connections.

What is a PSL?

A private sewer lateral (PSL) is the pipe that connects the plumbing in a home or business to the sanitary sewer main, usually located in the street. The PSL carries sewage from a building to a public sanitary sewer. It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the sewer lateral.

Old, cracked sewer laterals allow rainwater and groundwater to infiltrate the sewer system. Excess water in the system can overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, causing untreated or partially treated sewage to be released into the Bay. Fixing damaged PSLs helps protect the Bay.

Oakland

The Regional PSL Program began in Oakland on January 16, 2012.  The Regional PSL Ordinance applies ONLY if you are buying or selling a property, building or remodeling in excess of $100,000, or changing the size of your water meter. Additionally, you may voluntarily have your PSL certified to be in compliance with the Regional PSL Ordinance when you are having work performed on the lateral without meeting any of the triggers.

Your PSL is exempt if it was fully replaced within the last 10 years and before August 2011 and you can provide valid evidence of the PSL replacement date. Follow the Guidelines for Exemption to obtain an exemption for your property.

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