Wastewater Disposal Options
How can I dispose of my wastewater?
Wastewater is not allowed in the storm drain or street. However, the wastewater may be discharged to landscaping or the sewer, or it may be picked up and disposed of by a waste hauler. Please note that if you are unsure of the types of pollutants in the wastewater, laboratory analysis may be required to establish the proper disposal method.
Choose one of the three wastewater disposal options listed below based upon the following conditions:
Option 1: Discharge Wastewater to a Landscaped Area
The wastewater must meet the following requirements for discharging to landscaping:
- The pH must be between 6.5 and 8.5. This can be checked through the use of pH paper test strips.
- The wastewater can not contain large volumes or concentrations of:
- Toxic materials.
- Degreasers.
- Pollutants that may create a fire or explosion hazard (e.g., gasoline, diesel).
- Solid or viscous pollutants in amounts sufficient to cause obstruction or blockage of flow.
- Petroleum oil or other products of mineral oil origin.
- Paint.
Prior to surface washing, you must exercise all reasonable means to eliminate large volumes or concentrations of the above listed pollutants. Common methods to eliminate standing pools of pollutants include the placement of absorbent to absorb the pollutant, dry-sweeping the absorbent, and disposing of the absorbent properly.
- Wastewater from cleaning food-related vehicles or areas, vehicle exteriors or engines, and buildings with lead- or mercury-based paint should not be discharged to landscaping.
- Filter the wastewater if it contains debris, fibers, or other suspended solids.
- Ensure that the wastewater is fully contained within the landscaped area so as to infiltrate into the ground prior to leaving the job site.
Option 2: Discharge Wastewater to the Sewer
The wastewater must comply with the following conditions if disposed of into the sewer system:
- The wastewater temperature must be less than 140°F (60°C).
- The pH must be between 6.0 and 12.0. This can be checked through the use of pH paper test strips. Adjust the wastewater to a pH that is between 6.0 and 12.0. Dilution is not an effective or acceptable pretreatment.
- The wastewater quality must comply with the local sewer district’s discharge limits and requirements. The wastewater should not contain large volumes or concentrations of:
- Pollutants that may create a fire or explosion hazard (e.g., gasoline, diesel);
- Solid or viscous pollutants in amounts sufficient to cause obstruction or blockage of flow;
- Petroleum oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil, or other products of mineral oil origin; or
- Oil based paint
Prior to surface washing, you must exercise any reasonable means to eliminate large volumes or concentrations of the above listed pollutants. Common methods to eliminate standing pools of pollutants include the placement of absorbent to absorb the pollutant, dry-sweeping the absorbent, and disposing of the absorbent properly.
- No wastewater shall be discharged into any publicly owned sewer manholes without authorization.
- Filter the wastewater if it contains debris, fibers, or other suspended solids.
- If chemicals (e.g., solvents or acids) are used during the cleaning process, additional precautions may be needed. Contact the sanitation district to learn if wastewater containing these chemicals requires pretreatment before discharge to the sanitary sewer or if it needs to be treated as hazardous waste.
- Ensure that the wastewater is released at a flow rate and/or concentration which will not cause problems or interference with the sewer facilities. Generally, if you are using a privately owned cleanout, sink, toilet, or floor drain at a client’s property, and the flow does not backup, the flow amount will not cause problems or impede sewerage facilities.
- Utilize an approved discharge point such as:
- Privately owned cleanout (or sink, toilet or floor drain), oil/water separator, or below ground clarifier at the client’s property where the wash water is generated;
- Privately owned industrial sewer connection where the wash water is generated;
- Waste hauler station at sanitary sewer facility; and
- Any other disposal points approved by the sanitary sewer facility.
- Maintain a logbook of all discharges.
Option 3: Dispose of Wastewater Using a Professional Hazardous Waste Hauler
Wastewater that can be characterized in any of the following ways must be disposed of using a hazardous waste hauler:
- Is corrosive (i.e. pH value of less than 5.5) or caustic (i.e. a pH value of greater than 10.0).
- Contains a pollutant that may create a fire or explosion hazard (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel).
- Contains solid or viscous pollutants in amounts sufficient to cause obstruction or blockage of flow.
- Contains petroleum oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil, or other products of mineral oil origin.
- Contains other potential hazardous wastes. Examples include:
- Wastewater from power washing old paint off a building: Paint chips need to be collected and disposed of properly. Paint chips cannot be left on the ground at the job site. Old paint stripped off commercial buildings may contain metals (e.g., lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury), making it a hazardous waste.
- Wastewater used in conjunction with certain solvents and degreasing agents, which may cause the wastewater to be classified as a listed or characteristic hazardous waste.
You must comply with the following conditions if a hazardous waste hauler is used:
- Ensure that the waste hauler is certified by the sanitary sewer agency and the Orange County Health Care Agency, is Hazardous Waste DOT certified, and is complying with applicable discharge regulations, which may include obtaining necessary permits and conducting water quality monitoring requirements. Please contact the Orange County Health Care Agency and/or the Fire Department for specific requirements.
- Identify the wastes involved and determine if a hazardous waste has been generated.
- Maintain a logbook of all discharges and hazardous waste manifests, if applicable.
For additional information contact:
City of Fountain Valley
Public Works Department
10200 Slater Avenue
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 593-4441
www.fountainvalley.org