Overview

The City of Soledad owns and operates approximately 40 miles of sewer pipelines that collect and transport wastewater from homes, businesses, and public facilities throughout the community. Wastewater flows through the system by gravity to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), located on the west side of town near the Salinas River.

The City has made significant improvements to its sanitary sewer system to increase capacity and enhance treatment capabilities. The Water Reclamation Facility has a treatment capacity of 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD).

Water Reclamation Facility

The Soledad Water Reclamation Facility is a Title 22 tertiary treatment facility that treats wastewater generated throughout the City, including flows from Salinas Valley State Prison and the Correctional Training Facility (CTF).

Through advanced treatment processes, the facility produces high-quality recycled water suitable for irrigation and other approved uses, supporting sustainable water management in the region.

Operations & System Management

The City’s Wastewater Division operates year-round on a 10-hour per day, 7-day per week schedule to ensure reliable service and environmental protection.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Operation and maintenance of the Water Reclamation Facility
  • Maintenance and repair of sewer infrastructure that conveys sanitary, industrial, and stormwater flows
  • Water quality monitoring and regulatory compliance
  • Protection of public health and local water resources

 Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are a leading cause of sewer blockages and overflows. When discharged into sinks or drains, grease can accumulate in sewer pipelines, restricting flow and increasing the risk of backups.

The City of Soledad’s Wastewater Division implements a FOG control program to help protect the sewer system and maintain reliable operations.

Residents and businesses can help by:

  • Never pouring grease or cooking oil down drains
  • Disposing of cooled grease in the trash
  • Wiping grease from cookware before washing
  • Keeping food scraps out of sinks

Food service establishments are required to follow applicable FOG control requirements, including proper maintenance of grease control devices.

Proper FOG disposal helps prevent sewer backups, protect infrastructure, and safeguard the environment.

Environmental Protection & Compliance

All wastewater treatment operations comply with state and federal regulations. The City is committed to protecting local water resources and supporting sustainable practices, including water reuse where feasible.

Program efforts include:

  • Ongoing water quality monitoring
  • Infrastructure maintenance to prevent system failures
  • Illicit discharge prevention
  • Public education and outreach



WRF Chief Plant Operator

Gabriel Perez

Administrative Secretary/Source Control

Araceli Uribe