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Sewer Lateral Rehabilitation and Replacement Grants

Illustration showing what a sewer lateral is.

Apply for a grant of up to $2,000 for the repair of private sewer laterals within the Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District unincorporated area, which is predominately Marin City.

Most of the excess flows into the treatment plant during heavy rain is due to cracks and breaks in private sewer laterals. Laterals are the sewer pipes that run from homes and businesses to the main public sewer pipeline.

These high flows can also overtax the system and result in sanitary sewer overflows. Further, proper maintenance of private sewer laterals dramatically reduces the possibility of line blockages, resulting in sewage backing up into the home or property. In addition to reducing the cost of pumping and treating large volumes of stormwater, repairing a private lateral will help protect property, public health, and the Bay.

This grant program is ONLY for a Sewer Lateral Replacement or Repair.

It is ONLY available to registered property owners within the Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District’s unincorporated service area, which is predominantly Marin City.

The City of Sausalito has a similar program for property owners within City boundaries.

Program Introduction

The purpose of the Lateral Rehabilitation Assistance Program is to financially assist property owners with the rehabilitation of privately owned sewer laterals within the unincorporated area of the Sausalito-Marin City Sanitary District service area which is predominantly Marin City. A similar program is being offered to residents within the City of Sausalito by the City of Sausalito.

The District has created the program to encourage property owners, through the issuance of a grant, to maintain and repair private sewer laterals. Defective sewer laterals can allow rain and irrigation water to make its way into the sewer system. This additional flow must be collected, pumped to the treatment plant and treated. During dry weather the treatment plant typically treats and releases about 1.4 million gallons of waste water. However, during severe wet weather the plant can receive over 10 million gallons of waste water primarily due to the infiltration of ground water into private sewer laterals. In addition to the high cost associated with pumping and treating these high flow rates, sewer systems must be designed to handle this additional capacity which also adds to the cost of sewer service. These high flows can also overtax the system and result in sanitary sewer overflows. Further, proper maintenance of private sewer laterals greatly reduces the possibility of line blockages which can result in sewage backing up into the home or property. In addition to reducing the cost associated with pumping and treating large volumes of storm water, repairing a private lateral will help to protect property, public health and the Bay.

More About Private Sewer Laterals

A private lateral is the pipe that carries sewage from a private building to the District's sewer collection system. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their private sewer lateral, including cleanouts and backflow prevention devices as required. Private laterals include all piping from the cleanout located near the property structure all the way to the point of connection to the District's sewer collection system which is typically located in the street or within a County easement. Private sewer laterals are the responsibility of the property owner whether the lateral is on private property or under the public right-of-way (street).

Underground illustration of a sewer lateral.

Funding and Availability
Eligibility and Expenses
Design Guidelines
Assistance Coverage and Limits
Program Application Procedure
Lateral Grant Application Documents