Wastewater
The Estero Municipal Improvement District water collection program maintains the sanitary sewer collection and pumping system within Foster City. Sewage is treated at the San Mateo Regional Water Quality Control Plant located in San Mateo.
The Wastewater Division works to protect the health and safety of Foster City residents and to ensure the protection of the environment by effective treatment and disposal of all wastewater flows from commercial, industrial, and residential users. The Wastewater Division works cooperatively with the City of San Mateo, which operates, maintains, and repairs the Joint Wastewater Treatment facility located within the City of San Mateo. The Public Works Department Wastewater Division operates and maintains more than 43 miles of sanitary sewer lines, more than 8.5 miles of sewer force mains, 49 pumping stations, 15 permanent standby generators, and four (4) portable generators to ensure that the nearly three (3) million gallons of wastewater generated by Foster City each day is transmitted to the joint-owned San Mateo Treatment facility.
Sewer Overflow or Backup
In the event of a sewer overflow or backup during working hours (Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm; Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm), please notify the Wastewater Division IMMEDIATELY by calling (650) 286-8140. After working hours, please contact Police Dispatch at (650) 286-3345. Please do not email or report electronically.
San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant
The City of San Mateo and Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) jointly own the San Mateo Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). San Mateo operates the plant as the Lead Agency of the JPA. The facility treats wastewater for the citizens of the City of San Mateo and Foster City/EMID, in addition to surrounding communities. Foster City/EMID owns 25% of the WWTP.
