A Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) is a pipe that carries sewage and liquid waste from a structure to the sewer main.
All sewer pipes and appurtenances upstream of the publicly-owned sewer main, regardless of size, number, or length, including private mains and manholes, are considered PSLs and are subject to program requirements, except in Albany and Alameda where a Compliance Certificate is required for the “upper” lateral only (as required by those cities’ respective municipal sewer ordinances). The upper lateral is the portion of the lateral from the building down to the property line or curbside cleanout.
Many East Bay homes were built before 1950, and many have never had their original sewer laterals replaced. Over time, these pipes, which are often made of clay, can crack, become disjointed or be displaced, and can be damaged by tree roots, causing leaks and blockages. Leaking and cracked PSLs can increase the risk of:
- raw sewage seeping into surrounding soils and groundwater, contaminating private property and local creeks.
- discharges of partially-treated sewage into the Bay as a result of rain water flows into the sewer system overwhelming the wastewater pipes and treatment plant.
- raw sewage back-ups in homes and businesses, resulting in property damage and health risks.
- water intrusion into the sewer system, or growth of roots in the pipes, both of which can lead to raw sewage overflows on local streets, storm drains and local creeks.
- raw sewage overflows resulting from damaged sewer laterals, resulting in local jurisdictions being fined by the Environmental Protection Agency, which ultimately will be paid by revenues from the public.
Allowing a defective lateral to remain unaddressed is a violation of local city ordinances and could result in enforcement actions against the responsible property owner. The latest version of the local codes can be accessed on each city's respective website.