CITY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Private Sewers & Septic Systems

Septic Systems

Septic systems are highly efficient, self-contained, underground wastewater treatment systems that dispose of sewage on-site. Septic systems are used when properties are not connected to municipal sanitary sewers.

* LATEST UPDATE: *
A message from Bureau of Sanitation Assistant Director, Adel Hagekhalil regarding the proposed OWTS ordinance.

OWTS Fact Sheet Proposed OWTS Ordinance Framework.

We are glad to inform you that due to your stakeholder participation, a great milestone in favor of protecting our water resources and the environment has been reached. Yesterday, June 29, 2011, the Board of Public Works Commissioners approved the draft proposed ordinance for regulating Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems for single family homes in the city and forwarded it to the City Council and the Mayor for their consideration and approval. We will continue to resolve some of the outstanding issues that you have brought to our attention and will keep you informed as the draft ordinance goes through the remaining approval process with the City Council and the Mayor's Office, so that you may continue to participate in the process. You will be receiving periodic email updates of any new developments. Meanwhile, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your participation and to thank you for your time and input. We look forward to your continued involvement in making this ordinance a success.

For your information, you can review the Proposed OWTS Ordinance on this website, or contact Hyginus Mmeje at (323)342-6241

To better help you maintain your septic system and prevent needless repairs or replacement, please click on the links below:

• State's new draft policy for septic systems —This is the homepage to the State's proposed statewide standards for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of all septic system in the State of California. 
• Memo of Understanding — This document describes the City's responsibility in evaluating and reporting the conditions of septic systems in part through the use of the questionnaire throughout the City of Los Angeles and requiring homeowners and others to fix all systems that are in need of repair. 
• City of Los Angeles Guide To Septic Systems
• EPA Guide To Septic Systems
• What Homeowners should know about existing septic system requirements  — A portion of the City's building code that sets forth criteria for the approval of an onsite wastewater treatment system (septic system).
   Department of Building and Safety website

Maps of the Septic Systems in Los Angeles

• OWTS by Council Districts of Los Angeles
• OWTS by Neighborhood Councils
• CD1
• CD2
• CD3
• CD4
• CD5
• CD6
• CD7
• CD8
• CD9
• CD10
• CD11
• CD12
• CD13
• CD14
• CD15

List of High Risk OWTS in the City of Los Angeles


Listening Sessions #1

Listening Sessions #2

Listening Sessions #3

Listening Sessions #4

Related Links:

• Stanford scientists confirm that polluted groundwater flows from coastal septic systems to the sea
• Groundwater studies conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Water Quality Control Policy for Developing California's Clean Water Act Section 303(d)
• City of Malibu OWTS Program (including their list of certified service providers)
• COWA
• LA County Environmental Health-Land Use Program
• Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board WDRs (groundwater permitting)

Annual Progress and Implementation Reports to Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB):

• 2011 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 9.2 MB
• 2010 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 3.5 MB
• 2009 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 7.5 MB
• 2008 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 4.4 MB
• 2007 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 6.5 MB
• 2006 Annual Progress & Implementation Report - 13.9 MB

For further information:

For your septic systems concerns or questions, please email us at septic.system@lacity.org or Hyginus.Mmeje@lacity.org or call us at (323) 342-6241.

Si necesita asistencia en espaol, favor de comunicarse con Diandra Ortiz (323) 342-1560.

Should you prefer to write us you may contact us at:

City of Los Angeles
Department of Public Works
Bureau of Sanitation
Wastewater Engineering Services Division
Attention: Hyginus Mmeje, Manager, OWTS Program
2714 Media Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065