Project Description

San Mateo’s stormwater and wastewater collection system includes a network of 240 miles of pipeline divided into five major sewer basins. The City’s Public Works Department (PWD) performs thorough condition assessments of the sewer system, tracks the condition of the system, and performs routine maintenance of the pipes.

A condition assessment is the first step toward finding cost-effective and technically feasible fixes to minimize inflow and infiltration. Between November 2022 and July 2023, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections were conducted for the C Basin project. CCTV inspections involved utilizing a remote-controlled camera to check the condition of approximately 40,000 linear feet of pipe in the public right-of-way, 110,000 linear feet of pipe within easements on private property, and approximately 800 manholes. This enabled the City to identify problem areas in the collection system and plan for future rehabilitation and repair, such as spot repairs, lateral repairs, pipe lining, segment repairs, manhole repairs, etc. Following the CCTV inspections, the design process was completed in Summer 2024.

Basin C includes areas between J Hart Clinton Drive and Kimberley Way on the eastern side of Highway 101. Basin C is the collection system for public and commercial centers, including the Bridgepointe Shopping Center and the San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant, as well as several residential neighborhoods, including Shoreview, Parkside, Marina Lagoon, Marina Gardens, Lakeshore, Mariner’s Green, Harbor Town, and Laguna Vista. Basin C also includes repairs in a portion of El Camino Real from W. Santa Inez Ave to the Burlingame City limits.

Funds for repairs previously included in the upcoming El Camino Real & Large Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation project were allocated to the Basin C sewer rehabilitation project in October 2025 to allow work to be completed prior to Caltrans performing work on El Camino Real.

Basin C construction areas include parts of the City east of Highway 101, between Foster City to the north and J Hart Clinton Drive to the north as shown on the map. Westland Contractors began construction in February 2025 and is expected to be completed in May 2026.

Construction work in Basin C will occur at multiple sites within the public right-of-way (ROW) and within easements on private property, including front yards, backyards, and driveways. Easement access notifications will be distributed to residents and businesses whose property the contractor will need to enter.

Repairs and replacements are needed to maintain the proper operation of the system, to meet regulatory requirements, and to prevent sewer overflows.