Ross Valley Sanitary District staff told the board Nov. 19 that measures to reduce infiltration and inflow have reduced the district's share of dry‑weather influent to the Joint Powers Authority treatment plant and highlighted both operational success and recent spill response work.

Paul Brummer and General Manager Gia Moore reported that the district set a new record for low influent share to the JPA plant, dropping to 38% in October after earlier dipping below 40% in September. Moore attributed the change to targeted infiltration and inflow work, including locating and addressing abandoned laterals.

Operations staff also reported increased use of recycled water for sewer cleaning. "We did almost 50,000 gallons of sewer cleaning using recycled water last month," staff said, noting the district average is roughly 25,000–30,000 gallons. Using recycled water reduces reliance on potable supplies from the Russian River or Mount Tam, staff said.

Staff described recent spills in the system: two minor small‑gallon spills and a larger dry‑weather spill at 965 Magnolia Avenue that staff estimated totaled about 8,000 gallons over several days. Moore said the magnitude was driven by delayed reporting and limited public awareness of when to contact the district; even the local fire department had not reported the issue. In one separate incident, a PG&E excavation exposed a previously repaired sewer pipe and released surcharge water; staff characterized that event as a spill technically caused by excavation activity.

To reduce future occurrences, staff said they will increase outreach to first‑responders and local businesses (including a proposed business breakfast to explain how to spot and report sewer spills), review lines that historic CCTV cameras could not fully traverse, and consider physical changes such as installing a double siphon at a vulnerable location. Staff also described longer‑term plans to replace and upsize problem pipe segments where needed, while noting those upgrades will not be immediate.

The board asked questions about measurement and testing. Staff explained that strength (mass loading) and flow are related but distinct metrics: lower flow can produce higher concentrations while mass loading remains similar. The board did not take formal action on these operational items at the Nov. 19 meeting.