The strategic goal in setting rates for the sanitation Zones and for the District is to operate, maintain and replace facilities and equipment in order to preserve the systems’ assets and protect ratepayers’ investments. Ratepayer funds and the wastewater collection and treatment facilities are community assets, and GCSD is committed to their long-term protection and safe operation.  If you have any questions please see our FAQ section or call us at (707)884-1715 or (707)785-2331.

• What is a collection system and how does it work?  A collection system is a network of pipes, manholes, clean-outs, lift stations and other structures used to collect all wastewater and transport it to a treatment plant or disposal system.
• What type of collection system do we have in Gualala? The collection system that is utilized by the town of Gualala is a unique system. It incorporates utilizing a septic tank with no leech fields. Instead of having leech fields GCSD installs a pump system inside the septic tank and the water that would normally be transferred to the ground by the leech lines are instead pumped into the collection system. Which then travels to the wastewater plant for treatment.    
• What is a lift station?  Sewage / Wastewater lift stations, also called pump stations, are used for pumping wastewater or sewage from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, particularly where the elevation of the source is not sufficient for gravity flow.
• What type of Wastewater Treatment does GCSD do? GCSD utilizes extended aeration for its primary treatment of the raw wastewater. After primary treatment it goes through a secondary treatment process in order to meet Title 22 standards for irrigation to the Sea Ranch Golf Links.
• How does extended aeration work to breakdown the raw wastewater?  The aeration system in the activated sludge provides oxygen to the microorganisms and mixes the contents of the aeration basins. The mixing brings the wastewater pollutants into contact with the microorganisms to treat the wastewater and reduce the pollutants.