Source Control

The definition of source control is to control or stop a pollutant at its source before it enters a system or the environment. It has been proven that this approach to pollution prevention is the most cost effective as well as the most successful method of reducing water pollution. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed to treat all pollutants, making it extremely important to effectively implement a source control program.

The City’s Source Control Program implements activities to ensure wastewater discharged to our wastewater collection system meets local, state and federal discharge limits. This helps the City comply with Waste Discharge Requirements while ensuring the safety and quality of the highly treated recycled water generated at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility.

City inspectors enforce the City’s Sewer Use Ordinance which contains prohibited discharges and local discharge limits.  Wastewater pretreatment may be required for discharges from commercial and industrial facilities. City inspectors also enforce limitations on the amount of fats, oils, and greases allowed to be discharged by restaurants and other food service establishments. All commercial and industrial dischargers within the City limits are subject to these restrictions.

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