Sewers
Managing the safe collection and conveyance of wastewater for Sierra Madre residents and businesses.
About Our System
The City's wastewater collection system is managed by the Public Works Department. It is a strictly gravity-fed system (no pumps or siphons) consisting of approximately 32 miles of sewer lines.
- 93% discharges to Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) for treatment.
- 7% flows through the City of Arcadia system before reaching LACSD facilities.
Important: Sewer Lateral Responsibility
Per Municipal Code SMMC 12.20.070 (D), the property owner is responsible for maintaining the Sewer Lateral Line.
The "Lateral" is the pipe that connects your home's plumbing to the City's main sewer line in the street. Maintenance, repairs, and blockage clearing for this entire connection are the responsibility of the land owner, not the City.
- The Lateral Pipe
- Cleanouts
- Connection Point
- Root Intrusion
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
Per state regulations, Sierra Madre maintains a comprehensive System Management Plan. This document outlines how we operate, maintain, and fund our sewer infrastructure.
The Plan Includes:
- Overflow Emergency Response
- Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG) Control
- System Capacity Assurance
- Operation & Maintenance Program
- Legal Authority
- Audits & Measurements
PDF Format
Help Keep Our Sewers Flowing
Prevent backups and protect public health by following these guidelines from the LA County Sanitation Districts.
"Flushable" Wipes Are NOT Flushable
Disposable wipes (even those labeled "flushable") do not break down like toilet paper. They clog pumps and pipes, resulting in costly backups. Please throw them in the trash.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
Never pour cooking grease down the drain. It hardens in the pipe like concrete. Collect grease in a can and dispose of it in the trash.
Roots & Rain
Prevent stormwater from entering sewer cleanouts. Manage root growth near your lateral line to prevent expensive pipe damage.
Contact Us
232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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