The Alameda County OWTS Regulations and Amendments (effective January 15, 2009) were developed under the
authority of the Alameda County General Ordinance Code, Chapter 15.18.040.B. The Regulations to provide
for the safe and sanitary treatment and disposal of private sewage. The County Regulations provide minimum
standards for the construction and operation of OWTS's, to safely treat and dispose of sewage in order to
prevent environmental degradation including pollution of surface water and groundwater and to protect
public health, safety and welfare to the greatest extent possible. The County Regulations are not intended
to replace requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board or other local agencies such as the
Zone 7 Water Agency, which must also be met.
The Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater
Treatment Systems (State OWTS Policy) was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
on June 19th, 2012, and became effective on May 13, 2013. The Policy recognizes that local agencies can
provide the most effective means to manage OWTS's on a routine basis. Therefore as an important element,
it is the intent of the Policy to utilize and improve upon necessary existing local programs through
coordination with State and Local Agencies.
