The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) is encouraging residents and businesses to conserve water during the upcoming storm. On a typical day, OC San safely collects, treats, recycles and disposes of more than 180 million gallons of wastewater generated by 2.6 million people in north and central Orange County. The wastewater generated in homes and businesses travels through the local sanitary sewer system to OC San’s wastewater treatment facilities in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach.  During heavy rains, and in the hours immediately following, the sewer lines carry significantly higher levels of water to the treatment plants due to the inflow and infiltration of rainwater into the system. This results in dramatic peaks of wastewater flowing to the plants and can cause potential problems in the sewer lines and at the treatment facilities.

Residents can help by deferring water-using chores until after the heavy storm has passed.  If the rain does not seem to be letting up, it’s best to postpone laundry or dishwashing activities until after 6:00 p.m.  Additionally, please, always turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving, and take shorter showers.