Monrovia receives emergency sewer-ban warning; staff warns of high school inflow and lists repairs

Town wastewater staff told the council that January operations were largely compliant but that the plant is approaching capacity and the town received its first emergency sewer-ban warning.

The wastewater operator reported January figures: approximately 8,000,000 gallons processed that month, an average daily flow near 260,000 gallons and system removals in the 98–99% range with no violations for the reporting period. Staff said the state/EMA threshold and the town’s engineering work indicate the plant has months where it is at or near 90% capacity; the recent notice is an early warning and staff emphasized the need to move forward on expansion planning.

Staff also described a separate concern: flow data show the local school’s discharge to the town system is several times the amount suggested by its water usage. Wastewater staff recommended televising the school’s lateral and other lines to identify infiltration and inflow sources. The plant operations team said they had televised several Homestead/Munroe sections and found five leaking lateral connections at the point where laterals connect to the main, which are the town’s responsibility to repair. Staff said they have requested cost quotes for lining or repair and will present them to council when available.

Council and staff discussed next steps including pursuing qualifying grant or assistance programs, prioritizing repair of the five laterals, finalizing engineering for expansion, and coordinating outreach to the school regarding inspection and possible adjustments.

What happens next

Staff will collect and present repair quotes for the leaking laterals, continue engineering work for expansion options, coordinate with school officials on suspected inflow issues and follow up on the emergency sewer-ban warning protocols with state officials.