Great work by our Field Services team! During routine hydro-cleaning on Olivenhain Rd, our crew pulled a tree branch from a sewer pipeline. This find triggered an immediate investigation.
What they discovered:
An opened manhole in a nearby park/easement area
Large rocks and additional debris inside the pipeline
A damaged perimeter fence near the affected manhole
Our Field Services team has been out in the community this week using non-toxic smoke to confirm continuity of the sewer system before they become problems.
Thanks to everyone for your cooperation. Smoke testing helps us identify stormwater intrusion, cracked pipes, and missing cleanout caps before they become bigger problems. It's one of the many proactive tools our team uses to maintain 200+ miles of sewer pipeline and protect local waterways.
This proactive work is one reason LWD has maintained 6+ years of zero sewer spills.
We are hiring two full-time Field Services Technicians-In-Training.
This position is the entry level class in the Field Services Technician series and those selected will perform a wide variety of manual tasks to help maintain and repair our wastewater collection system.
Smoke testing is underway this week (April 6–10) in parts of the district as part of our routine system maintenance.
If you’ve seen white smoke near vent pipes or manholes in your neighborhood - that’s our Field Services team at work.
The smoke is:
✅ Completely harmless and non-toxic
✅ Quick to dissipate
✅ Designed to stay within the sewer system (won’t enter your home if plumbing is properly sealed)
If smoke does enter your home, simply open windows and give us a call at (760) 753-0155.
When you see our crews working in the street, please slow down and give them space.
Field work often requires access to manholes and underground pipelines, sometimes in busy traffic areas. Your caution helps keep our team safe while they work to protect public health and maintain reliable service.
Thank you for helping us prioritize safety.
Spring cleaning season is here! As you tidy up around the house, remember that chemicals, paint, and cleaning products should never go down the drain. These materials can damage pipes and harm the environment.
Dispose of household chemicals properly and help protect our wastewater system. https://www.lwwd.org/community-info/hazardous-waste-disposal-info
Our wastewater system is monitored around the clock.
Advanced monitoring technology alerts our team to changes in flow levels or equipment performance, allowing us to respond quickly and prevent potential issues before they escalate.
Behind the scenes, technology and trained professionals work together to keep service reliable.
Our wastewater system plays an important role in protecting local lagoons, beaches, and coastal waters.
Regular maintenance, inspections, and careful monitoring, help ensure wastewater is properly treated and managed-reducing risks to sensitive ecosystems and recreational areas.
Protecting the environment starts with strong infrastructure.
Photo by Tom Caskey