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Help Us Help You

We provide proactive cleaning to maintain sewer lines; high-tech proactive maintenance; intensive laboratory tests to assure quality; advanced treatment; state-certified workers and more.

Even the most up-to-date, well-maintained sewer system and treatment plant cannot meet tough upcoming regulations without assistance from customers.

The following are key areas where you can help:

1. Maintain Your Sewer Lateral 

What’s the problem?

Many laterals are aging, cracking and leaking. This leads to large inflows of water during storms — threatening to overload the treatment plant and sometimes leading to sewage spills.

What you can do:

Laterals usually run from the District’s main sewer pipe in the middle of the street to a home or business. The sewer lateral is the property of the landowner, and sewer lateral maintenance is the responsibility of the landowner. 

  • Have a qualified plumber inspect and repair your sewer lateral.
  • Install a cleanout and backflow prevention device to stop overflows into your home
  • Have the lateral inspected when purchasing a new home or building.
2. Keep Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Out of Your Drains 

What’s the problem?

Grease builds up in the pipelines. This can cause clogging and spills in your laterals and in District sewer pipelines.

What you can do:

Pour cooled grease into disposable containers and dispose of it in the garbage. Dry-wipe pots, pans and dishes before washing.We have grease scrapers available from the district — Email Greg at gpease@lgvsd.org to get yours!

    3. Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Properly 

    What’s the problem?

    Household hazardous waste — such as pesticides, solvents, oils and paints — cannot be removed by the treament process.

    What you can do:

    Dispose of it at the Marin Household Waste Facility (565 Jacoby Street, San Rafael)

    • Residential Customers: Call 415-485-6806
    • Commerical Customers: Call 415-458-5549
    • Get the handy OWOW Pocket Guide (below) brimming with tips regarding products friendlier to people and pets!
    Download: OWOW Pocket Guide
    4. Don’t Connect Drains or Gutters to Your Sewer Lateral 

    What’s the problem?

    Drain water can overload sewer pipelines and treatment plants, increasing the risk of backups and spills, and increasing costs.

    What you can do:

    Never break or open your sewer lateral or a sewer line. Keep them well maintained. Divert drain water to the street, not the sewer lateral.

    5. Call Us Before Draining Your Swimming Pool 

    What’s the problem?

    Swimming pool chemicals require additional treatment, and can impact the treatment process as well as increase the costs.

    What you can do:

    Call us before draining your pool. We can provide simple guidance, and charge a nominal fee to process the water.

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