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.

To help us serve you better, please complete the accompanying questionnaire.

Questionnaire
If you have a septic system, please fill out the City's Septic System Questionnaire.
For more information regarding the Septic System Questionnaire, please read the Questionnaire Letter.      PICK A FORMAT:  Microsoft Word  |  Adobe Acrobat

Frequently Asked Questions for Septic Systems

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

• FAQ Letters to septic owners — As part of our outreach efforts to the community, the Bureau of Sanitation will be sending an FAQ and information letter regarding the proposed OWTS Ordinance to each individual property. 
• MOU Extension Request — MOU requirement to have a septic Ordinance has been extended to December 31, 2010. 
• OWTS Ordinance Fact Sheet —This fact sheet describes the PROPOSED septic Ordinance and scenario flowchart if a septic system were to fail during normal operations. 
• AB885 —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
• Proposed Ordinance Framework
• Additional Information

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

Related Links:

• 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
• State AB885
• Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board WDRs (groundwater permitting)

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

• 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 Hyginus.Mmeje@lacity.org or call us at (323) 342-6241 or (323) 342-1561.

Si necesita asistencia en español, 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