What is PSL:
Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) compliance in Oakland requires property owners to maintain and repair the sewer lateral pipe that connects their building’s plumbing to the public sewer main. Damaged or cracked PSLs can allow groundwater infiltration, overwhelming treatment facilities and polluting the Bay. Compliance involves inspection and repair to prevent leaks and protect the environment, in accordance with local ordinances enforced by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and city regulations.
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.
The Ordinance is in effect in the following locations:
- Alameda
- Albany
- Berkeley
- Castro Valley (Adopting Soon!)
- Crocket
- El Cerrito
- El Sobrante
- Emeryville
- Hercules
- Kensington
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Pinole
- Richmond Annex
- Rodeo
- San Pablo
Learn More
Castro Valley Sanitary District – http://www.cvsan.org/PSL
City of Berkeley –https://www.cityofberkeley.info/psl/
City of Richmond – http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/2269/Certificate-of-Lateral-Compliance
EBMUD PSL Compliance – http://www.eastbaypsl.com/eastbaypsl/
Our Writeup of the Features and Factors Regarding PSL Compliance – Castro Valley Sewer Lateral Ordinance
