Public Works Agency
www.santa-ana.org/pw
Item # 7
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
October 21, 2025
TOPIC: Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update
AGENDA TITLE
Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and File the Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Agency Water Resources Division (PWA) oversees and maintains the daily operations of the City’s water and sanitary sewer systems. The sanitary sewer system includes approximately 390 miles of sewer main, 9,000 manholes, 48,500 sewer laterals, and two sewage lift stations. All sewage carried by the City’s sewer mains is conveyed to the Orange County Sanitation District for treatment.
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) promulgates regulations statewide regarding sewer systems and wastewater collection and treatment. On December 6, 2022, SWRCB adopted Order No. 2022-0103. The new order updated the statewide general waste discharge requirements for all public entities that own and operate sanitary sewer systems greater than one mile in length that collect and/or convey untreated or partially treated wastewater to a publicly-owned treatment facility in the State of California. One of the requirements is to continue with the development and implementation of a system-specific Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), to audit the plan periodically, and update every five (5) years. The previous SSMP that was approved on November 17, 2020 has been updated to comply with current SWRCB Order No. 2022-0103.
The City's SSMP 2025 Update and sewer maintenance and management program (Exhibit 1) comply with the new SWRCB order. The goal of the SSMP is to provide a plan and schedule to properly manage, operate, and maintain all elements of the City's sanitary sewer collection system to minimize the occurrence of sanitary sewer overflows onto City streets. The City of Santa Ana recognizes the importance of protecting quality of life and the environment by preventing sanitary sewer overflows. To this end, with City Council approval, staff has continually made improvements to the operation and maintenance of the City's sewer system, including the expanded use of trenchless
Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update
October 21, 2025
5 3
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methods for repairing and constructing sewer mains and laterals, such as pipe lining and pipe bursting. In addition, the City has implemented the installation of manhole monitoring technology that provides real-time alerts warning staff of potential overflows before they occur.
The City of Santa Ana is a leader in sewer system management and received the 2022 award from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for Best Sewer Collections Agency in the State. The SSMP 2025 Update reflects the efforts made by staff to allow Santa Ana to continue to be a leader in the sewer system industry, as well as to be at the forefront of practices preventing sewage overflows from entering waterways and protecting our environment. Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the SSMP 2025 Update.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with the action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this action. However, the SSMP requires a sewer system maintenance and capital improvement plan that will require operational and capital expenditures. The costs for these programs are funded through the Sanitary Sewer Service Fund and are budgeted annually.
EXHIBIT
1. Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update may be reviewed at:
https://www.santa-ana.org/documents/sewer-system-management-plan-ssmp/ Submitted By: Rodolfo Rosas, P.E., Acting Executive Director – Public Works Agency Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager