Wastewater Collections Division Update
Public Works
visalia.gov
(1) Collections Superintendent
(2) Lead Wastewater Maintenance Technicians
(3) Senior Wastewater Maintenance Workers
(5) Maintenance Service Workers
(1) Heavy Equipment Operator
Collections Staff
Public Works
visalia.gov
Sanitary Sewer System
500 miles of sanitary sewer maintained.
13 sanitary sewer lift stations.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Storm Sewer System
380 miles of storm sewer lines.
43 storm lift stations.
7,031 catch basins.
46 stormwater ponds.
35 miles of open ditches.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Challenges
Misuse of the collections system
Aging infrastructure
Keeping up with a growing City
Public Works
visalia.gov
Misuse of System
Wipes, and debris increase maintenance needs and cause blockages.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Intentional Misuse of System
Crack sealing foam used in pipe.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
Mainly contributed from industrial users and Food Service Establishments. Contributes to blockages.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Public Outreach
Best Management Practices Posters for Food Service Establishments.
Public Service Announcements
Active Pretreatment Program
Public Works
visalia.gov
Jetting/Flushing
Staff routinely uses high-pressure water jetting equipment to clean and flush sewer lines, removing accumulated debris, grease, and sediment. Approximately 25% of the City’s sanitary sewer system is jetted each year, completing a full system cleaning cycle every four years.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Weed Abatement
Vegetation control and sediment excavation are performed in stormwater basins and open ditches to maintain water conveyance, promote infiltration, and reduce the risk of blockages or mosquito breeding.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Lift Station Maintenance
Staff inspects and maintains pumps, valves, and controls at the City’s 56 combined sanitary and storm lift stations. Routine cleaning of wet wells prevents solids buildup and ensures reliable operation of critical pumping infrastructure.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Spill Cleanup
When grease or oil spills occur in the public right-of-way, staff responds immediately to contain and remove the material before it can enter the storm drain system. Crews use absorbent pads, sand, and vacuum equipment to recover spilled material, followed by flushing and cleanup of the affected area.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Video Inspection
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are used to inspect sewer and storm drain pipes internally. This proactive inspection identifies structural defects, root intrusions, and blockages, allowing for targeted maintenance and rehabilitation planning.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Sediment and debris are removed from culverts to maintain flow capacity. Where culverts are structurally compromised, repairs are made to ensure long-term reliability and reduce the risk of flooding or roadway erosion.
Public Works
visalia.gov
Infrastructure Rehabilitation
Aging or damaged catch basins are structurally repaired or reconstructed to restore proper drainage, prevent pavement undermining, and extend the service life of stormwater infrastructure.
Public Works
visalia.gov
After-Hours & Emergency Response
Citizens can report issues to (559) 713-4403
24/7 on-call coverage for sewer backups, flooding, and system alarms.
Rapid response minimizes property and environmental impacts.
Can receive anywhere from 10-100 calls per week during the wet season.
Thank you
for your time.