The District was established under the California Water Code to provide wastewater services to our customers. Under this code the District operates, maintains and complies with state laws and regulations. The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) is the regulatory agency for all wastewater collection and treatment agencies. On December 6, 2022, the State Water Board adopted Order No. WQ 2022-0103-DWQ, also known as the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems. The order went into effect on June 5, 2023 and outlines procedures and rules that the District must follow. For example, under the WDR the District must develop a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the purpose of reducing sewage spills. The District currently has this plan and you can find specific information about our plan by clicking here.
The WDR requires that any spill of 1,000 gallons or greater that reaches a water of the State be reported within two (2) hours of having knowledge of the spill to the California Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, it requires that the spill be reported to the State Water Board on their online reporting system, California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS), with three (3) business days. Our operators must also report to other regulatory agencies, such as the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality and CA Fish and Wildlife, if the spill exceeds 1,000 gallons.