Wastewater

Sewer Collection System

Otay Water District provides sewer service to approximately 15,300 customers through 6,071 connections.

The sewer service area is located in the northern portion of the District and covers approximately 8,797 acres, which is about 11 percent of the District’s total service area. The sewage collection system serves Rancho San Diego, Calavo Gardens, Singing Hills and portions of Mount Helix within the Upper Sweetwater River Basin, also known as the Jamacha Basin.

Sewer System Management Plan

Wastewater collection within the Jamacha Basin is provided by two agencies: Otay Water District and the Spring Valley Sanitation District. Customers in the basin not served by either agency dispose of their sewage through septic tanks. The District is also a member of the San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater Joint Powers Authority .

The city of Chula Vista operates and maintains the sewer collection system within its corporate boundaries. The District has entered into an agreement with Chula Vista to bill those residents residing within the District’s service area for both sewer and water service through Otay’s billing system.

Sewer Rates

Sewer Problems

  • To report a sewer problem or a strange odor, District sewer customers can call the Operations Department at (619) 670-2207.
  • For Chula Vista residents, please call Chula Vista’s Public Works Department at (619) 397-6000 during working hours. After hours, please call the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.
  • Per the Otay Water District’s Code of Ordinances, property owners are responsible for sewer laterals up to the connection at the sewer main.

Put Fats, Oils, and Grease Where They Belong and Avoid a Costly Spill!

Cooking grease is one of the major causes of residential sewer main clogs. Cooking grease coats pipelines, clinging to the insides of the pipe, eventually causing blockages and potential sewer spills. Dispose of small amounts of cooking oil (this includes salad oil, frying oil and bacon fat) in the garbage, not in the drain. By following these simple tips, you will help avoid costly repair bills while helping to protect our sewers.

  • Never put grease or oil down your sink, drain, toilet or garbage disposal
  • Place used grease and cooking oils in a safe container and store it in the refrigerator to solidify. Then discard the container in your household garbage.
  • Wipe excess grease from pots, pans, and utensils with a paper towel before washing.

Wipes Clog Pipes: Disposable Does Not Mean Flushable!

Many household cleaning products labeled or marketed as “flushable” or “disposable” should not be flushed down the toilet. Why? Most wipes are made of woven fibers that do not easily break down or dissolve after being flushed. Their presence in the wastewater system can cause pipeline clogs or septic system failures. Items include:

  • Disinfecting or baby wipes
  • Diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Mop refills
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Cigarettes
  • Medicines
  • Cotton swabs
  • Bandages
  • Paint, pesticides or hazardous chemicals
  • Cat litter

Since these products do not dissolve as quickly or easily as toilet paper, they may clog pipes and cause expensive and time consuming repairs for homeowners. These products also clog public sewer pipes and pump station equipment leading to sewer backups. Be kind to your pipes and save yourself and your wastewater utility from potentially costly repairs. Put wipes in the trash, not the toilet!