Voluntary Compliance Certificate

Please see the guidelines below regarding how to receive a Compliance Certificate voluntarily when not meeting any of the Regional PSL Ordinance triggers.

A Compliance Certificate may be issued for a property even if the Regional PSL Ordinance has not been triggered. By proactively requesting a Compliance Certificate, property owners benefit by knowing that their lateral is free of leaks, thus protecting their property and also helping to protect the Bay. They will also be ensuring they are in compliance with local municipal codes that require proper maintenance of laterals. Additionally, property owners will have a Compliance Certificate in hand, limiting the impact of PSL issues on future trigger events (property sales, building or remodeling in excess of $100,000 and alteration of water meter size). Finally, property owners will be helping their local community comply with an EPA mandate to reduce the infiltration of rain water into the sewer system which can overwhelm the wastewater treatment plant and lead to the release of untreated and partially treated wastewater into the Bay. East Bay communities have been mandated by EPA to reduce this rain water infiltration or face fines.

If you have already had your PSL tested and certified as leak-free by EBMUD, you may request a Compliance Certificate by selecting your property

Guidelines for Voluntarily Receiving a Compliance Certificate

V1. Determine if the existing PSL is in compliance
Determine if the existing PSL meets the requirements of the Regional PSL Ordinance. Hire a plumbing contractor to check for leaks and other defects. Your contractor will advise you if work is needed to pass the PSL verification test (an air or water pressure test of the PSL). If no work is required, go to step V4 below (except for properties in Emeryville where step V2 is required even if no repair or replacement work is performed).

NOTE:

During the installation of new gas lines by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), some private sewer laterals may have been pierced or completely bored through - known as a cross bore. Underground Service Alert does not typically mark private sewer laterals and as a result, cross bores may go undetected, and if damaged create a potentially hazardous situation. For gas line cross bore information, visit PG&E's website. A review of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection should also include looking for evidence of a cross bore. If you suspect a gas line cross bore, call PG&E at (800) 743-5000. If you suspect a gas leak, warn inhabitants, evacuate the area and call 911 and PG&E at (800) 743-5000.

V2. Obtain required municipal permits
Cities and counties require that appropriate building and/or sewer permits be obtained before starting any PSL work. See the contact information for your property's location.

V3. Repair or replace the PSL
Your contractor will repair or replace the PSL in accordance with the Regional PSL Ordinance and your municipality's requirements.

V4. Schedule a PSL verification test
Select your property, choose your preferred date and time for an EBMUD inspector to witness the verification test that your contractor will set up and perform, and pay the required Compliance Certificate fee online.

Note:

Your contractor will set-up and administer the verification test per the provided guidelines. EBMUD will witness the test to confirm that your PSL is leak-free.

Disclaimer: EBMUD issues compliance certificates solely on the basis of the performance of the tested sewer lateral in a verification test performed in the presence of EBMUD personnel. The verification test is designed for the sole purpose of determining whether the tested portion of a sewer lateral is free from leaks at the time the test is performed. By issuing this certificate, EBMUD warrants only that the tested portion of the sewer lateral passed a verification test on the date indicated. EBMUD makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee as to the sewer lateral's existing or future condition or its compliance with the legal standards of any other jurisdiction, including building or construction standards without limitation. EBMUD expressly disclaims any and all warranties, both express and implied, as to the sewer lateral's condition or compliance with legal standards and shall bear no liability in connection therewith.

V5. Pass the PSL verification test and print your certificate
Once the EBMUD inspector verifies that the PSL has passed the PSL verification test, the Compliance Certificate will be available online for printing. Select your property and print your certificate.