Sewer Utilities

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Engineering

If you observe a sewage overflowing into the street or onto the ground, contact the Wastewater Division at 760.639.6177 during normal working hours. For after hour emergency situations call 760.825.3135 and identify “City of Vista”.

The City of Vista owns and operates over 215 miles of sewer collection pipelines and one small capacity pump station, the Raceway Pump Station. The City of Vista and the City of Carlsbad jointly own and operate two additional large capacity pump stations and associated pipelines.

The Buena Sanitation District which is an entity of the City, owns and operates 101 miles of sewer collection pipelines and one large capacity pump station. Both collection systems convey sewage to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility (EWPCF) in the city of Carlsbad for treatment.

The City of Vista and Buena Sanitation District are required by the State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2006-003 to manage, operate, and maintain the sanitary sewer system in a manner that prevents a sanitary sewer overflow which can endanger public health and safety. Major components of the Order require the City and Buena to have a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), Rehabilitation and Replacement (R&R), and Capacity Assurance Plans.

View the operational reports below:

The Sewer Utilities Division of the Engineering Department provides sewer permit processing, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project management, implementation of new regulations, Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG) program implementation, master planning, asset management, and other associated related services.

Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG)

Requirements for the management of fats, oils, and grease, are described in Vista Municipal Code, Ch. 14.12 Control and Regulation of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG). Learn more here.

Resources

Service Boundaries
Land Development Division – Requirements for private development submittals
Sewer Rates
2017 Comprehensive Sewer Master Plan
- Final Document

2008 Program Environmental Impact Report
- EIR 5675
- App A
- App B
- App C

2017 Supplemental Program EIR

Sewer Financial Plan Rate Studies
- Buena Sanitation District
- City of Vista

Design Standards
- City of Vista - Available by contacting number below
- San Diego Regional Standards Drawings
- Greenbook
- City of Vista Sewer Bypass Plan Guidelines and Requirements

Encina Wastewater Authority

Regional Water Quality Control Board
- Waste Discharge Requirements

2017 Asset Management Plan
- Final Document

For more information or comments on the SSMP, contact Sewer Utilities at 760.639.6111.

Common Questions

Where does my sewer lateral responsibility end?

Per City Ordinance 78, Section 9.10, residents are responsible for maintaining their entire private lateral and its connection to the public main line. Please view the attached documents for details.

Does the city maintain sewer easements?

Vista often secures access rights to enter a private property in order for wastewater crews to clean and inspect our pipes. This however does not translate to maintenance responsibility. Any trimming of vegetation is strictly for vehicle clearance. For more information, please view the following document.