Underground Water Systems Working for You!

Underground Water Systems Working for You!

Our community is served by two water separate systems: one designed to carry wastewater to the El Estero Water Resource Center for treatment, and another designed to carry stormwater away from streets, roofs, and yards to local creeks and out into the ocean. However, when rainwater gets into the sewer system, it can overwhelm pipes and pumping capacity, increasing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows.

Why Should You Care?

• Sanitary sewer overflows are costly and messy, and can impact homes, local beaches, and public health. Every gallon of stormwater that enters the sewer system adds strain to the sewer system, especially during heavy rains.
• Rainwater entering a sewer system is referred to as Infiltration and Inflow. Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) are types of rainwater or groundwater that enter sanitary sewer systems, which can cause overloading, treatment inefficiencies, and high costs.
• Infiltration refers to water seeping into broken or damaged pipes in the ground while Inflow refers to water directly entering the system through improper connections like roof or yard drains (see image).
  

What's Our Shared Responsibility?

The City is investing in inspections and repairs of the public sewer system. But property owners play a key role too:

• Check your connections - Roof and yard drains should never connect to your sewer lateral.
• Maintain your sewer lateral - Cracks, failed joints, or deteriorated pipes can allow stormwater infiltration.
• Fix sewer lateral issues early - It's good for your home and the whole community.

Why it Matters:

Keeping stormwater and sewage separate protects public health, the environment, and our quality of life.

Learn more and take action: The Sewer Lateral Inspection Program (SLIP) is available to assist participants with the sewer lateral repair process. Visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/SLIP to learn more and request an appointment with staff.