Why You Should Care About Laterals

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Because damaged laterals cause sewage spills

Cracked and damaged sewer connection laterals on private property are causing sewer spills and backups, damaging property and threatening health. During large rainstorms, private sewer connection laterals are also allowing massive amounts of stormwater into the public sewer system, leading to spills and sometimes overwhelming sewer pipelines and treatment plants. This results in sewer spills, and overflows, sometimes causing a mixture of sewage and stormwater to backup onto streets, into homes and the Bay.

There are about as many miles of private sewer laterals in most Marin communities as there are public sewer lines.

To stop spills caused by infiltration of stormwater into sewers, it is critical to repair both the public sewer pipelines and the private sewer laterals.

What are the benefits of inspecting, maintaining and replacing lateral lines?

The primary benefit is to eventually eliminate local contamination from leaks and spills. This will result in lower overall costs, a cleaner environment, enhanced home and commercial building values, and protection of the environment. The Marin Lateral Program is seeking the cooperation of community members to create a "greener" North Bay watershed.

Infiltration of Stormwater from Damaged Laterals causes spills

Infiltration Is: Indirect flow of stormwater into a sewer system through open joints and cracks
in laterals and pipelines.

Sewer Spills Harm the Environment and Threaten Public Health

Sewer Spills Lead to Costly Regulatory Fines and Lawsuits