The Clean Water Program has been hard at work planning and constructing several improvements to the San Mateo sewer collection and treatment system! We know that sometimes these improvements and fixes can cause construction noise, traffic detours, and other inconveniences. We really appreciate the community’s support and cooperation while we get this important work done to make sure our vital infrastructure is working the way it should…now and into the future! This newsletter highlights some of our project successes from 2019 and some of the upcoming milestones for the Clean Water Program.
In 2019, we worked diligently on a wide variety of projects to upgrade the aging wastewater collection and treatment system. This year saw the successful completion of the 42nd Avenue Pump Station Improvements project, the Glendora/Shasta Pipe Capacity Improvements project, and the Basin 1a Pipe Capacity Improvements projects. Collectively, these projects have resulted in the rehabilitation of an underground pump station and installation of a new standby generator, and improvements of approximately 6,320 linear feet of aging sewer lines throughout San Mateo.
In September 2019, we broke ground on the single largest project in the Clean Water Program—the upgrade and expansion of our wastewater treatment plant. Our groundbreaking ceremony was attended by U.S. Representatives Jackie Speier and Anna Eshoo, members of the San Mateo and Foster City councils, and many other dignitaries. The new plant will replace an aging plant that had its last major upgrade in the 1970’s. Construction is expected to be complete by 2024. Our website now features a live camera feed of the ongoing construction work. Click here to access the live feeds!
Many more projects are under way in various phases such as planning, studies, design, and construction. To meet our regulatory requirements, we are continuing to improve capacity and flow management throughout our sewers and pump stations and will begin construction of the new Underground Flow Equalization System Project. In addition, we are constantly investigating and rehabilitating various parts of our wastewater collection system to reduce inflow and infiltration. To see the locations of these various projects, click here to view our project map!
The City appreciates the patience and support of our residents and business owners and will continue to work to minimize the effects of these much-needed infrastructure improvements.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction Update
Phase 1 of construction began in 2019. Our contractors have completed demolition and removal of several outdated facilities. They have installed a shoring system, and are preparing to begin excavation at the new plant site. During this phase, the contractor will have dust and traffic management measures in place.
Residents near 3rd Avenue/J. Hart Clinton Drive may notice an increase in truck traffic from the excavation and hauling activities.
You can check out the progress via a live camera feed now available on our website. To see the live cameras, please click here.
Seal Point Interpretive Sign Shares What’s Going on at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
The Clean Water Program is excited to share that we have installed an interpretive sign at the top of Seal Point Park. The sign details all of the activities—in progress and coming soon—at the plant. The sign is easy to find on the viewing platform near the top parking lot at Seal Point Park. We hope you’ll check it out soon!
Be Water Wise this Winter!
Did you know that your sewer fees are calculated from your water use between the months of November and March?
The reason it’s done this way is to achieve the most accurate calculations of indoor water use (which goes down the sewer), while not including outdoor water use (which does not go directly into the sewer system).
This means that the more you continue to conserve water during the winter months, not only will you save on water charges—you’ll also see savings on your sewer bill.
Click here to find out how your sewer bills are calculated.
For some easy and creative water conservation tips, please click here.