What is a sewer line offset and why does it matter?

An offset sewer line means that the joints of that pipe are no longer connected properly, to the point where the two sections of pipe no longer align.

What problems can an offset sewer line cause?

Offsets can prevent sewage from flowing freely and smoothly and could eventually cause the line to back up. Another problem is that, once the pipe is offset, there is a bigger gap for roots to get in, which are very common.

Offset Requirements

Approved by the City Council in September 2019, the Wastewater Flow Offset Program was developed to accommodate new or intensified development in capacity constrained areas by replacing laterals in poor condition. Capacity constrained areas are areas the City where the existing sewer system infrastructure (pipelines) cannot accommodate additional wastewater flow. These areas are identified in the City’s General Plan Water and Wastewater Management Element.

The Wastewater Flow Offset Program requires all new development to replace existing sewer laterals in the same capacity constrained area to offset the additional wastewater generated by the project. The number of lateral replacements is based on the size of the residential unit(s) or commercial space proposed to be added on a property. For more information, please email wastewateroffset@slocity.org

The Sewer Lateral Portal is a resource for locating sewer laterals within capacity constrained areas that need replacement.