Sewer Use Ordinances

Wastewater discharged from Palo Alto to the Plant is governed by Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.09.

This Chapter sets requirements that protect public health, the environment, and wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure.

All Food Service Establishments must comply with the Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 16.13.

Food facilities (like restaurants, hotels, and convenience stores) are a major source of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) that can clog pipes and cause sewer overflows. This can harm public health, local waterways, and the Bay. Clogs also lead to costly maintenance for both businesses and the City. 

The discharge of hauled liquid waste at the Plant is governed by Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.66.

Hauled liquid waste is sewage collected from a septic tank, seepage pit, cesspool, chemical toilet, or other similar device. Hauled liquid waste can cause adverse impacts to wastewater treatment plants because it is typically more concentrated than domestic wastewater and can also be hazardous for staff. These requirements allow the hauled liquid waste to be safely discharged at the Plant. 

City of Los Altos Municipal Code Chapter 10.08 Sewer System Protection Regulations

Town of Los Altos Hills Municipal Code, Title 6, Chapter 4, Article 4, Sewer Use Code

City of East Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 13.08, Sanitary Sewers

East Palo Alto Sanitary District – During the transition of operations, contact the City of East Palo Alto for ordinances.

City of Mountain View Municipal Code Chapter 35, Water, Sewage, and Other Municipal Services

Stanford University dischargers are subject to the Palo Alto Sewer Use Ordinance.