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Wastewater FAQs

What can I do to keep my system running well? 
Check your faucets and toilet flapper regularly.
Please see that your toilet does not continue to run or leak (up to 1500 gallons a day with a stuck flapper) and that faucets and other things don’t keep dripping.  In addition to insuring that our ponds and system can keep up with the demand, this precaution also protects your well pump against unnecessary operation, expense, and extra repairs. 

Does it matter what I am putting down the drain?
Make sure that you don’t kill the bugs in your tank or things will "pile up".  Believe me, no one else wants to do the work they do so keep them healthy and happy.  If you remember that they hate chemicals (cleaning solvents, paint, bleach, etc..),  fat/grease, and too much paper, you will know how to treat the little guys.  We also recommend not using a garbage disposal.  Cooking fats should never go down the drain.   

If you are gone all winter, you can kick start your system again by adding a packet or two of yeast or a commercial septic tank treatment.  Otherwise, what is "supposed" to go into the system should do the trick on it's own.

What if I am gone for the winter or summer?
If you are gone and a pipe should burst or a toilet flapper become stuck, it could flood your home or fill and overflow your septic tank in a relatively short period of time.  We've all heard stories of it happening to "somebody else" but it could happen to anyone.  Please consider turning off your well pump and hot water heater, and drain them when you are going to be gone.  If you are unsure if you should do this, ask a qualified person or call the District Office.
 
What if I have troubles with my system? 
Things can and do go wrong occasionally.  As a property owner, you are responsible for your system from your property to the connection at the street.  If you are having problems, have a qualified person check it and make repairs if necessary.

If after your system has been checked for proper operation to the septic tank and a problem still exists, call Ray Solis at (530)260-2850 or Chris Gallagher at (530)249-0966.

MPORTANT!  Any and all spills or Sewer System Overflows are to be reported to The Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board, attn: Rob Tucker.  Phone 530-542-5467 or 530-542-5432 or cell 530-721-0607.  Our office also reports spills electronically to the State Water Board.  Spills that may reach the lake are to be reported immediately to the Lassen County Health Department

Why does the District charge for operations and maintenance?

With the cost of everything going up, the biggest job we have will be keeping the system running efficiently at a minimum expense to property owners.   Our Operations and Maintenance fee is currently $78/quarter or $300/year.  To that end, the lift pumps are serviced regularly and the flow meters and pond levels are monitored regularly.  

Another area of importance is keeping up with the ever increasing regulations including the Management of, Planning for and Prevention of spills or pond leakages.  There are numerous reports required to the State Water Resource Control Board and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Board.  

The District is also responsible for issuing permits for new hookups to the system and performing inspections at various stages of the installation process. 

What if I have an existing septic tank and its is not connected to the system, can I show proof that I have not used the tank and avoid paying the operation and maintenance costs?

No. Providing proof that you have not used an existing septic tank would not provide compliance with the Water Board's Cease and Desist Order. Someone with an existing septic tank could begin using the tank tomorrow.  Someone with an existing tank that has never been used, is threatening to discharge waste in violation of the Basin Plan prohibition and is thus subject to the CDO. The CDO's adopted in 2009 require dischargers with an on-site system to either (1) connect to the district's system or (2) properly abandon the on-site system. Compliance with a 2009 CDO can not be achieved by proving that you have never used your on-site system.