(805) 451-7809
Please call in case of sewer overflow, backup or other emergency.
The District owns and operates approximately 42 linear miles of sewer pipeline ranging in size from 6-inches to 24-inches in diameter. There are approximately 850 maintenance holes and cleanouts in the system, which are used by District staff to access the network of buried pipes for cleaning and video inspection purposes.
The wastewater collection system was constructed as the City of Carpinteria and surrounding areas developed. Many sewer lines in the downtown area were built in the 1930’s. The District implements ongoing condition assessment of its buried infrastructure and a comprehensive, programmatic effort to rehabilitate and replace sewer mains and sewer laterals.
The District utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS) for mapping of its wastewater collection system facilities. The GIS is linked to a database with detailed information about each pipeline, including attribute data and maintenance history.
A staff of four highly trained individuals is assigned to the operation and maintenance of the system. The crew is responsible for pipeline cleaning, root control, smoke testing, CCTV video inspection. Maps of individual properties or areas may be viewed and obtained at the District’s administrative offices. A nominal fee may be charged to cover printing or reproduction costs.
The State of California has implemented a program for all sewer agencies to develop and maintain a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). This plan establishes specific methods and programs designed to meet goals pertaining to the effective operation and management of a sewer collection system. In order to comply with the California State Water Resources Control Board’s (“State Water Board”) requirement of updating the SSMP every 5 years, District staff has prepared an updated SSMP which contains all elements currently set forth by the State Water Board.
Click here to access the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
Vactor
The District’s Vactor 2100 Plus combination sewer cleaning machine is the workhorse of our sewer system maintenance program. This high-tech piece of equipment uses high pressure water, up to 2,500 psi, to clean debris, grease, roots and other materials from the inside of our sewer pipelines. A very strong vacuum then captures and collects the debris as part of the cleaning process.
You can help keep our team members safe by slowing down when you see the Vactor truck working in the roadway. Remember, this crew is working hard to keep the system flowing properly, preventing overflows that could impact our creeks and beaches.
The District uses this heavy duty utility bed truck for maintenance activities of all types. The truck is outfitted with a portable CCTV camera system for the inspection of sewer laterals. It also has a high pressure jetter system on board that is used to remove roots or other blockages from lower laterals. District staff use the crane mounted on this vehicle to lift pumps, manhole frames and covers, and other equipment.
The District owns and operates a fully equipped pipeline inspection vehicle that has an onboard CCTV camera system used to evaluate the condition of the 42 miles of buried pipeline in our inventory. A waterproof, full-color panning camera is sent through sewer pipelines on a remote operated tractor unit. High resolution video is captured and fed to monitors inside the truck where trained operators evaluate and document any defects in the pipes using an industry standard asset management database program. The District inspects pipes between 6-inch and 24-inch diameter using this equipment. We use this CCTV data to prioritize repairs and rehabilitation to aging or defective pipelines.
There are eight wastewater pump stations located within the collection system that are necessary to convey flow to the wastewater treatment plant. These pump stations have redundant pumping equipment and are designed to handle peak wet weather flow rates. Wastewater is pumped through pressurized “force main” pipes uphill to the point where gravity flow can continue. Each pump station has sophisticated controls and telemetry allowing District operations staff to monitor performance and respond to any alarm conditions immediately. The District has emergency generators for each station that can keep the system operational during any power outage.
