OWTS 101 - Properly maintaining your septic system
Your septic system is officially referred to as an “Onsite Wastewater Treatment System” or OWTS. The District has been been delegated primacy to regulate your OWTS by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) to ensure no illegal discharge is taking place that may adversely impact public health and/or the local environment.
In addition to issuing individual Discharge Permits for all OWTSs, our responsibility includes design review and approval of all new OWTSs to ensure compliance with the District’s Title IV – Onsite Wastewater Management Code (as adopted by Ordinance 2023-01), conducting regular and routine inspection of existing OWTSs to ensure they are working properly, issuing maintenance permits for deficiency repair, and abating systems that do not meet Code.
Maintenance is the single most important consideration in making sure your OWTS will work well over the long term. Too often, homeowners forget that whatever goes down the drain or toilet ends up in your OWTS. Using a little common sense will prevent most problems with your OWTS. A couple of things to keep in mind:
- For a septic tank system to work properly, the accumulated solids must be pumped out periodically by a licensed septic tank pumper. The frequency of pumping varies by use and practices of each household, but most full-time residents can expect to pump their system every three to five years. Failure to pump will result in the accumulation of sludge, which will cause your OWTS to fail.
- OWTSs in Stinson Beach have two leachfields separated by a diversion valve. This valve diverts the effluent to one leachfield while allowing the other to rest. The District generally recommends using this valve to switch between leachfields every six months.
If your tank alarm sounds, do not ignore it--it is there to warn you that there is a problem. Contact your service provider as soon as possible.
OWTS 102 – Septic system good practices
- DO be wary of overloading your system. Your system is designed for a specific water usage rate--having more people using your system than designed, e.g. a houseful of short-term renters, will damage your system and cause it to fail.
- DO practice water conservation -- the amount of wastewater that your OWTS can handle is limited to the value on your Discharge Permit.
- DO restrict usage during heavy rain events, as high groundwater can flood your system causing damage and failure.
- DO wash clothing and dishes only when you have a full load.
- DO be careful to avoid getting beach sand into your OWTS.
- DON’T flush your toilet unnecessarily.
- DON’T dispose of any of the following into your OWTS: paper towels, sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, condoms, cigarettes, coffee grounds, cat litter, grease and/or oils.
- DON’T use water during a power outage--components of your OWTS rely on power and will not operate properly without it.
- DON’T use septic tank additives, or dispose of any toxic chemicals.
- DON’T drain pools, hot tubs or spas into your OWTS – doing so will overload your OWTS causing it to fail.
- DON’T plant trees or shrubbery in the leachfield, or allow roof drains to drain onto the leachfield area.
Options for paying your bill
If you do not want to sign up for online bill pay, or just want to continue paying by check through the mail to avoid processing fees, please use the detachable stub at the bottom of your bill and the enclosed return envelope. You will notice that the delivery address printed on your bill stub is:
STINSON WATER
PO BOX 889328
LOS ANGELES, CA 90088-9328
If you have any questions, or have difficulty setting up an online account, please contact Munibilling customer support directly at stinsonwater@munibilling.com, or call (877) 621-8781.
Document Request
Submit form to request a digital copy