West Bay reports collapsed pipe, groundwater infiltration and high lateral needs in East Palo Alto

West Bay Sanitary District general manager Sergio Ramirez told the council Dec. 3 that since West Bay took over operations Oct. 1, crews have handled 20 service calls, 17 utility markings, four main‑line stoppages and one spill. Ramirez said inspections revealed a collapsed asbestos‑cement pipe and several locations where groundwater is entering the sanitary system through defective connections, increasing treatment costs and the risk of sanitary sewer overflows.

Ramirez described findings from field responses: what began as stoppages sometimes exposed large voids under the street and deteriorated pipe that required extensive repairs; other sites showed improper or missing permits for recent lateral work. He emphasized that most lateral pipes from private properties to the sidewalk are the homeowners’ responsibility and that the district’s jurisdiction begins at the cleanout near the curb (typically 5 feet from the back of curb). West Bay plans to begin deploying its own crews in the district on Jan. 2, will continue video inspection and spot repairs, and expects to deliver a sewer system management plan (SSMP) audit to the board in January. Ramirez added that West Bay will emphasize outreach—public events, vehicle signage and website information—and asked residents to "call us first" when problems arise so the district can assess whether a mainline or a private lateral is the cause.

Council members pressed for clarity on permit and inspection responsibilities; staff said the district will coordinate with the city’s building department to delineate upper‑lateral (private) and lower‑lateral (district) inspection responsibilities. Ramirez said West Bay will recruit additional staff early next year and encouraged homeowners to expect outreach and potential repair programs to reduce chronic overflows.