Help Stop Illegal Dumping into the Wastewater System

The Leucadia Wastewater District operates and maintains the wastewater system for the southeastern portion of Carlsbad and the northern areas of Encinitas. We are responsible for making sure that the wastewater is transported and flows without obstructions in the wastewater pipes from resident’s homes and businesses to the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility in Carlsbad for treatment. As part of our commitment to safeguarding our coastal environment, public and private property, our Field Services crew is out in the streets monitoring and maintaining over 200 miles of pipeline and 10 pump stations.

Unfortunately, over the past 6 months, at 3 separate locations, we have found hardened pool plaster blocking up to half of our wastewater pipes. This blockage restricts the flow of wastewater and can cause a spill, or worse, a backup of raw wastewater into your home or business. Each blockage requires considerable manpower and equipment to clear out this material. Each clean-up event cost several thousand dollars to correct and could cost thousands of dollars more in clean-up costs and regulatory fines if a spill or backup occurs.

We are asking for your help to keep the wastewater in the pipes. If you’re having a pool installed or refurbished, please help protect our community and environment by asking your contractor to ensure that their concrete crews use a type of slurry solidifier, and properly dispose of any leftover concrete, gunite or shotcrete slurry and construction waste. Together we can keep our neighborhoods and beaches clean and safe. You may also contact us at (760) 753-0155, if you see someone illegally dumping chemicals, pool plaster, or any other material that does not belong in the wastewater system to avoid a potential wastewater spill.

Submitted by Paul Bushee. General Manager, Leucadia Wastewater District