SEWER LIFT STATION #17 - Redwood City, California Distribution Pump Station

SEWER LIFT STATION #17 is a distribution pump station located at 11 Avocet Way in Redwood City, California, within San Mateo County. This facility is part of the municipal wastewater collection system, designed to lift sewage from lower to higher elevations to maintain flow toward treatment plants. As a lift station, it plays a critical role in preventing sewer overflows and ensuring reliable wastewater transport in the urbanized San Francisco Bay Area. The station operates under California's Title 22 water reclamation regulations and local sanitary sewer codes, which mandate redundancy and emergency backup systems for critical wastewater infrastructure. Typical lift stations in this region include submersible pumps, wet wells, and control systems to handle variable flows. Lift stations in similar suburban settings often handle flows ranging from 100 to 500 cubic meters per hour, depending on service area size. Environmental significance lies in its role in protecting public health and local waterways. By efficiently conveying wastewater, the station reduces the risk of untreated sewage releases into the San Francisco Bay and nearby creeks. Its operation supports community sanitation standards and aligns with regional water quality objectives under the Clean Water Act.

The facility operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region with stringent water quality regulations due to the ecological sensitivity of the bay and its tributaries. Lift stations like this one are essential for preventing sewage spills that could harm aquatic habitats and recreational waters. The local climate, with wet winters and dry summers, places seasonal demands on the sewer system, requiring robust infrastructure to handle stormwater infiltration and peak flows.