The City of Sausalito and the Tamalpaio Community Services District own and maintain the main pipelines in the street in their respective jurisdictions. The District owns and maintains the main pipelines in Marin City and other unincorporated areas.

Laterals are the sewer pipelines that run from your home or business to the main pipeline in the street. The sewer lateral is the responsibility of the property owner. Many laterals are aging, cracking and leaking. They can fill with water during storms and cause sewer spills, backups and stress to the treatment plants.

Here's what you can do:

• Have a qualified plumber inspect and repair your sewer lateral.
• Install a cleanout and a backflow prevention device to prevent overflows into your home.
• Have the lateral inspected before purchasing a new home or building.
• Never break or open your sewer lateral and never connect drains or gutters to them.