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Gravity System
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Underground Water Systems Working for You!

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Our community depends on a network of underground water systems, and we’re spotlighting two of them: wastewater and stormwater. Wastewater travels through pipes to the El Estero Water Resource Center, where it’s treated and cleaned. Stormwater, on the other hand, flows from streets, rooftops, and yards into local creeks and eventually out to the ocean. When rainwater enters the sewer system, it can overwhelm pipes and pumping stations, increasing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows. Keeping these systems separate is essential to protecting public health and our environment.

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). 
     
Gravity System


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.
  • Inspect and clean backwater valves - if your property has a backwater valve, its recommended you maintain it every 6 months. 


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. For more information on backwater valve maintenance, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/BackwaterValve