Sewer Line Vandalism

Ah, the sound of rushing water. Ah, the temptation to throw something into the water. Ah, the problems this can cause.

We've all been there as kids - fascinated by water, throwing things into rivulets created by rain or a backyard hose. Maybe we made a dam to see the water change course and overflow. What is good, clean (well, maybe not so clean) fun with a backyard hose is something entirely different when it comes to sewer lines.

Because of its ongoing maintenance and repair program, Oro Loma has an excellent record of preventing sewer main backups and overflows. But overflows do occur, and when they do, they can cause considerable damage to surrounding homes, businesses, and the environment. All too often, these blockages are deliberate, caused by vandals throwing objects down manholes. In fact, in the last two years, the biggest sewer main overflows in Oro Loma have been caused by just such destructive behavior.

Maintenance crews have found everything from tree trunks to boulder-sized rocks to 2x4 lumber and fence posts in the sewers. These things didn't get there by themselves. They were deliberately thrown in with the intent to block water running through the sewers. Crews have also found firecrackers and cherry bombs, which, had they exploded, could have ignited methane gas in the sewers. These are dangerous situations, not childhood pranks and Oro Loma will hold individuals responsible for the damage they cause by deliberately blocking or tampering with sewer mains. In addition to causing damage to District property and surrounding areas, anyone attempting to remove a District manhole cover puts himself or herself in grave personal danger.

Approximately 10 percent of Oro Loma sewer lines run through easements on private property. This means District wastewater flows through about 30 miles of private backyards, athletic fields, schoolyards, and industrial lots. Someone intending to vandalize the sewer lines may think they won't be discovered in such areas. As an Oro Loma customer, you can help by calling (510) 276-4700 to report suspicious behavior around manholes. You would be doing everyone a favor.