Sewer Rates
Sewers vs. Storm Drains
Whose Pipes are Whose?
Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Program

Sewers vs. Storm Drains
IRWD is responsible for the sanitary sewer system, which collects wastewater from homes and businesses within our District. This wastewater travels through the collection system to the Michelson Water Reclamation Plant where it is cleaned through the reclamation process for irrigation and other uses in the community.

Storm drains, however, are a completely different system. Storm drains collect rain water and other urban runoff from the community. This water travels through street gutters to storm drains, which in our area channel the runoff to San Diego Creek and eventually to the ocean. Storm drains are not the responsibility of IRWD. Within city limits they are the responsibility of the city government; in unincorporated areas they are the responsibility of the County of Orange. It is important to remember that water from storm drains does not go through a treatment plant for cleaning. Any trash or pollutants thrown into the street or storm drains will eventually reach Newport Bay and the ocean.

Citizens can do their part by not overwatering their landscaping, thereby reducing the amount of unnecessary runoff that reaches the ocean. And, of course, don't litter.

Who's Pipes are Whose?
Irvine Ranch Water District is responsible for what is called "the street side" of the water meter, including all water mains in the street and continuing through the community distribution system. IRWD is also responsible for sewer mains from the point where each individual property ties into the sewer main in the street. If you notice a water leak in the street or in the area of your water meter, call IRWD Customer Service at (949) 453-5300 to report it.

The property owner is responsible for maintenance of water and sewer pipes on the "customer side" of the water meter. This means the interior plumbing of the home, the outside irrigation system, and the area where the property's water system connects to the water meter. In the case of sewer service, the customer is responsible for the pipes in the home and on the property to the point where they connect to the sewer main in the street.