The Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) is the District’s playbook for running the sewer system. It explains how we operate, inspect, clean, and repair the pipes, manholes, and lift stations, and what we do if a sewer backs up or spills.

Current plan: Sewer System Management Plan, August 2025 (PDF)

Why it matters

A sewer spill can damage homes, create a health hazard, and pollute Lake Almanor and local creeks. The plan is how the District prevents spills and responds quickly when one happens. Chester’s system serves about 1,100 homes and businesses through about 18 miles of sewer main, 240 manholes, and four lift stations, with treatment in six stabilization ponds and four wetland ponds.

Why the District has one

The State Water Resources Control Board’s statewide Sanitary Sewer Systems General Order requires every public agency with more than one mile of sewer pipe to have a plan. The plan must be updated at least every six years and approved by the Board of Directors, and the District must audit how well it is following the plan at least every three years. The District must also report sewer spills to the State.

What’s in the plan

• Who is responsible for each part of the system, and how to reach them in an emergency.
• Operation and maintenance: regular cleaning, camera inspection of sewer lines, and lift station maintenance.
• Standards for new connections so new and repaired sewer lines are built right.
• Spill response: how crews respond to a backup or overflow, clean up, and report it.
• Fats, oils, and grease: how the District keeps grease from clogging the pipes.
• Capacity: making sure the system can handle current and future use.
• Monitoring and audits: checking whether the plan is working and fixing what isn’t.

How you can help

• Keep grease, wipes, and other trash out of your drains. See What Not to Flush.
• Keep your sewer lateral in good repair. The pipe from your building all the way to the sewer main in the street is yours to maintain, not just the part on your property. The District maintains the sewer main. See Wastewater Services.
• Sewer backup or overflow? Call the District right away at (530) 258-2171, or after hours at (530) 816-0505.