NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS

YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE SENDING RAIN WATER FLOWS INTO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM

CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR SEWAGE OVERFLOWS AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE

During the recent rain events the Montecito Sanitary District was inundated with additional flows entering the sanitary sewer system.  From data sensors in the underground sewer pipeline collection system, we have identified that properties in your area are the source of the additional flow.  The volume that normally flows into the wastewater treatment plant is approximately 1 million gallons per day.  During the rain event the wastewater treatment plant was overwhelmed with nearly 3 million gallons in one day making it challenging for the District to meet the rigorous standards required to protect public health and the environment. The source of the additional flow is believed to be direct rain water connections to the sanitary sewer system and not people staying home and doing more laundry or taking more showers.

You may not be aware, but you are in violation of District Ordinance No. 12 if you discharge rain water into the sanitary sewer system.  All rain water must flow on the surface of the ground or to inlets that are connected to a storm drainage system or creek.

The District is requiring that you check your property carefully for the following possible connections:

• - Roof drains, Downspouts and Yard Drains - if there is any question of where this water flows on/off your property, please contact the Sanitary District. We will schedule our crew to verify the situation free of charge.
• - Outdoor Sinks and Outdoor Showers - the drain line must not be tied into the sanitary sewer system. If it is possible that the drain might be connected to the sewer system, please plug/cover the drain every time rain is forecast.
• - Swimming Pools/ Spas - these tend to fill up rapidly during heavy rain. Overflows from pools and spas must not be drained to the sanitary sewer system during the rain event. It is best to lower the level of your pool when rain is forecast not during a rain event otherwise all pool overflow water should be drained onto the surface of the ground or to your storm drainage system.
• - French Drains and Sump Pumps - water from basements, low areas and retaining wall drains must not be plumbed to the sanitary sewer system.
• - Private Cleanout Covers and District Manhole Covers - these covers should not be removed or left open during a rain event. If you have a District manhole in an easement on your property, it should only be opened by District personnel and should never be used as a location to rid your property of rain water.

Please call Diane Gabriel, General Manager/District Engineer or Alex Alonzo, Collection System Manager at 969-4200 if you have any questions or to schedule our crew to assist you.  We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.