The EBMUD Regional Private Sewer Lateral program, explained
Reviewed by East Bay Sewer Inspection staff
In 2009 the U.S. EPA and the Regional Water Quality Control Board ordered EBMUD, six East Bay cities and one sewer district to fix leaky sewer pipes. The Regional PSL Ordinance phased in starting in 2011 (eastbaypsl.com). It requires property owners to get an EBMUD certificate showing their private sewer laterals don't leak.
- Trigger: a Compliance Certificate is required to close escrow when buying or selling, and also for building or remodeling over $100,000 (at final permit sign-off) or changing water meter size (EBMUD).
- Test, not video: a contractor usually runs a CCTV inspection and repairs or replaces the lateral, then sets up a verification (leak) test witnessed by EBMUD. A CCTV video alone is not enough.
- Need more time? A Time Extension Certificate gives 180 days after issue to finish the work. It needs a fee plus a $4,500 refundable deposit.
- Exemptions include properties on septic, fully pressurized laterals, no connected lateral, title transfers not subject to the ordinance, and valid Alameda/Albany certificates.
- HOAs/condos had to certify laterals they maintain by July 12, 2021. Buyers should ask the HOA for its Statement of Responsibility.
- Appeals within 30 calendar days.
How do I get an EBMUD sewer lateral Compliance Certificate?
Check the property's status with EBMUD, have a licensed contractor inspect and repair or replace the lateral (with city permits if required), then pass the EBMUD-witnessed verification test and download the Compliance Certificate.
- Check your property's status with EBMUD's property search (via ebmud.com/psl).
- Hire a licensed contractor to inspect (usually CCTV) and repair or replace the lateral. Get city permits if required.
- Schedule the EBMUD-witnessed verification test (usually your contractor does this).
- Pass, then download the Compliance Certificate.
EBMUD is moving PSL scheduling and certificates to a new platform (Accela), with launch expected in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a sewer lateral certificate to sell my house in Oakland?
Yes, if the property is served by EBMUD wastewater in Oakland. A PSL Compliance Certificate (or exemption, or a Time Extension Certificate) is required to close escrow.
Does Berkeley use the EBMUD program?
No. Berkeley runs its own private sewer lateral program. See the Berkeley page.
Is a camera inspection enough?
No. EBMUD issues the certificate only after the lateral passes a verification test witnessed by EBMUD.
What if we can't finish before closing?
Buy a Time Extension Certificate. It allows 180 days and requires a $4,500 refundable deposit plus a fee.
Which East Bay cities require a sewer lateral certificate?
Oakland, Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, El Cerrito, Kensington and Richmond Annex are in the EBMUD Regional PSL program. Berkeley runs its own separate program.
All cities · Oakland · Alameda · Albany · Emeryville · Piedmont · El Cerrito · Berkeley (separate program)
Sources
- eastbaypsl.com (eastbaypsl.com)
- EBMUD (ebmud.com)