Piedmont EBMUD PSL Compliance

In Piedmont and the rest of the San Francisco Bay area, there is an ordinance recently passed that requires residents to update their sewer laterals before the sale of a property. This is to help with the growing problem of leaky sewer laterals, causing pollution and sewer main overflows all over the bay area. This ordinance is called the Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program (PSL) and has been in effect since August of 2011 in some regions. If you have had your sewer lateral repaired or replaced, you will need a compliance certificate from the EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District).

Keeping Piedmont’s Water Clean With The PSL Ordinance

This ordinance is primarily in existence to help maintain the cleanliness of the area and the bay itself. Old sewer laterals leak wastewater into the ground and storm drain system. This seepage of raw sewage into the water supply is both hazardous to the health of Bay Area citizens as well as local wildlife. Keeping this water and land clean should be the top priority for city officials and area residents. A faulty sewer lateral can also allow rainwater to seep into the sewer system, which causes overflows and dangerous sewer backups.

Does The Piedmont PSL Ordinance Apply To Me?

This private sewer lateral replacement program applies to anyone who is selling/being sold a property or anyone who is increasing/decreasing water service that requires a change in meter size. Obtaining the PSL certificate from EBMUD is also necessary for anyone who does $100,000+ worth of renovations on their home or property.

Is Compliance With The Piedmont Sewer Lateral Ordinance Expensive?

If you looked at the EBMUD website to determine the cost of these repairs, you might have been expecting to pay around $4500. In reality, these repairs can cost an average of $5000-6000 with the EDMUD permit being $225, and the City of Piedmont Sewer and Encroachment permit is $831.95.

Luckily, the California state government is offering a grant that can cover up to 50% of the cost of the repairs—so getting your PSL certificate could cost as little as $2500! To apply for this grant, you must own property within the city limits, and you must complete the application. Mail/drop off the completed application to 450 Civic Center Plaza, 94804. This drastically undercuts the EBMUD’s estimated average cost and allows the sale of your property to be completed even faster than you previously imagined.

Contact Us For More Piedmont EBMUD PSL Compliance Information!

The plumbing professionals here at Streamline Plumbing have the knowledge and experience to help you with your PSL repairs and the certification process. Contact us if you have any further questions regarding the PSL certificate or it’s cost to you.