Backflow prevention devices are usually located near a building or residence. They may have a lid or mushroom cap on top. Their purpose is to allow sewage from a plugged sewer main to overflow outside of the building rather than inside the building.

The collection system has two main types of structures:

• Manholes that vary in size from 48" to 60" in diameter
• Cleanouts which are round and ranges in size from 9" to 12"

Manhole structures are usually located in the middle of the street and provide access for cleaning and pipe inspection. Storm drains carry rain water only and are usually under curb openings in the gutter. They are usually covered with a grate or slotted piece of metal. Some solid round covers are marked with "S" or "Storm Drain." Manhole covers are normally imprinted on top with "Brentwood." Occasionally, there may be a separation between the base and the cover of the manhole which can cause the cover to rattle when a vehicle rolls over it. To report issues with a storm drain or a rattling manhole, call Public Works Wastewater Division at (925) 516-6060 or submit a Service Request.

The City does not oversee, monitor or regulate septic tanks. For more information about septic tanks, visit the website for Contra Costa Health Services or call their main number at (925) 692-2500.

Property owners are required to have an approved cleanout installed at or within close proximity to the property line. The City is responsible for and maintains the lateral from that cleanout or property line to the main line. All maintenance, repair and replacement of the lateral line from the property line back to the building or dwelling unit is the responsibility of the property owner.

Public Works has a residential lateral maintenance program in place for residents with single family homes. The program was implemented for maintenance, repair and/or replacement for the portion of the sanitary sewer lateral located between the property line and the main line. This program reduces costs to the residents and ensures lateral sewer lines are operating properly.

To try to eliminate sewer odors, first try to determine where the odor is coming from (inside the home or outside in the street). If an odor is coming from inside the home, there may be a problem with the internal plumbing system. Check your internal system first or contact a plumbing company. If the problem exists outdoors, call Public Works Wastewater at (925) 516-6060 or submit an online Service Request.

If your neighbors are not having a problem, it may be isolated to the plumbing system located within your home and you may need to contact a plumbing company. If neighbors are having similar slow drainage, there may be a problem in the main collection line. For more information or to report a problem, call Public Works Wastewater at (925) 516-6060 or submit a Service Request.

Wastewater is "used" water generated by homes, industry, schools and businesses. On average, each person in the United States contributes 50 to 100 gallons of wastewater everyday. If you turn your faucet on and wash your hands, run the garbage disposal, take a shower, or flush the toilet, once it's in the drainpipe, it becomes wastewater, which is also called “sewage.”

Wastewater treatment is the process of cleaning used water so that it can be returned safely to the environment. Wastewater treatment is a defense against water pollution, protecting public health and the aquatic organisms in the receiving water. Before modern treatment methods were instituted, wastewater went directly to streams and rivers, often the same place where people took baths, washed clothes and got drinking water. Because of this, many people suffered from diseases, such as cholera, typhoid and diphtheria, caused by contaminated water.

To arrange a plant tour, contact the Wastewater Treatment Plant at (925) 516-6060.