Lahontan Region Wastewater Consolidation Program

Overview

Wastewater Consolidation Program (SB 1215)

The State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) recognize that improperly sited, designed, operated, and/or maintained onsite sewage treatment systems are a source of bacteria and nitrate pollution to surface water and groundwater.

In 2018, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1215 (SB 1215) into law, establishing funding and the regulatory framework for a statewide program to facilitate the consolidation of inadequate onsite sewage treatment systems with centralized wastewater treatment systems. SB 1215 authorizes Regional Water Boards to encourage, and if necessary, mandate the provision of sewer service to eligible communities (California Water Code, commencing with section 13288).

Program Eligibility

The Wastewater Consolidation Program is available to all disadvantaged communities (DACs) served by inadequate onsite sewage systems. California Water Code, Section 79505.5 defines a disadvantaged community as “a community with an annual median household income that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income.” Eligible communities include, but are not limited to:

• Housing developments relying on aging individual septic systems
• Privately-owned communities such as mobile home parks
• Migrant housing centers
• California Native American Tribal Communities.

Funds awarded can be used by sewer service providers for consolidation project costs including planning, design, and construction; and including upgrades to existing centralized treatment facilities to accommodate additional flow and address compliance issues. Communities that do not have DAC status can also apply.