FAQs

Wastewater Division Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What am I as a resident responsible for?

Q. What do I do if there is a sewer blockage/backup?

Q. How can I prevent a backup from happening?

Q. What should I NEVER flush down the toilet or pour down the drain?.

Q. How does the City maintain the sanitary sewer collection system?

---

Q&A

What am I as a resident responsible for?
Per Section 19-11 of the Oxnard Code of Ordinances, private sewer connections, including the lateral, wye or saddle at the city’s sewer, shall be maintained (including repair and replacement) at the expense of the property owner of which the connection originates.

 

 

Go to top

---

Q&A

What do I do if there is a sewer blockage/backup?
When a stoppage occurs, you should contact the City immediately at (805) 797-7598; this emergency number is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Wastewater personnel will come out to the site and assess the stoppage to determine if the obstruction is on the City’s side of the sewer line or the homeowner’s sewer service line. The City will clear any blockage that occurs in the City’s sewer main. Customers are responsible for blockages that occur in their private sewer lateral and connection.

Go to top

---

Q&A

How can I prevent a backup from happening?
You can set up a maintenance schedule to include annual cleaning of your private sewer lateral with a private service company, or you may need to have your service line videotaped to check its condition.

Go to top

---

Q&A

What should I NEVER flush down the toilet or pour down the drain?
Do NOT flush disposable diapers and baby wipes as they will clog your sewer line. In addition, never pour grease or gummy substances down garbage disposals, toilets, or floor drains. Flammable liquids, i.e. used motor oil, gasoline, paint thinner, etc., should never be poured into your sewer line as they can cause a fire hazard or create a harmful coating on your sewer pipe. Never flush feminine hygiene products, pencils, pins, hypodermic needles, broken glass or other foreign objects that can lodge in your sewer service line and cause a sewer back-up.

 

Learn More About Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

    

Reminder: Wipes Clog Pipes

Please do not flush wipes, paper towels or shop towels down the drain or toilet. “Flushable” wipes do not disintegrate, creating serious problems in our sewer system. Rather than flushing, please dispose of these products in a lined waste can.

 

Go to top

---

Q&A

How does the City maintain the sanitary sewer collection system?
The Wastewater Division has implemented a preventative maintenance program of sewer cleaning and condition assessment of the entire sewer collection system. The periodic cleaning and video taping of the sewer lines in your neighborhood can reduce the risk of any grease or root buildup which reduces the likelihood of sewer back-ups and/or sanitary sewer overflows. The City utilizes three sewer cleaning vehicles and one video truck with closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Sewer Video Vehicle

Sewer Cleaning Vehicle

 

CCTV Monitoring

CCTV in the field

 

 

Go to top

---

 

 

Location
Wastewater Division
6001 Perkins Road, Oxnard, California 93033

Business Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Alternate Fridays 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Regular Business Hours: (805) 271-2200
Emergency After Hours: (805) 797-7598


Other Important Contacts
Billing Inquiries: (805) 385-7816
Stormwater