New Oakland Sewer Repair Ordinance Goes Into Effect Jan. 16

In Oakland, Calif., a new sewer repair ordinance, called the PSL (private sewer line) ordinance, will go into effect Jan. 16. Mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will start requiring repairs of old private 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 San Francisco Bay. Sewage treatment plants typically spend extra funds every year to treat rainwater that leaks into sewers, much of which comes from private lines connected to homes.

Affected property owners will be required to obtain a certificate from EBMUD indicating their private sewer lines are without defects and have proper connections to make sure they are not contributing excess water into the treatment system. Many current and prospective homeowners will be affected by the new Oakland sewer repair ordinance. Local companies such as Evenflow Plumbing will be offering discounts to homeowners and realtors needing sewer inspections services in order to obtain certificates from EBMUD.