Sometimes the City’s sewage system — that unseen network of pipes and treatment plants that flushes away so much unpleasantness from our lives — is actually quite malodorous! However, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) tries hard to prevent these offensive odors. You can help them out by reporting sewer smells to the 24-hour Hotline: (415) 554-3444. Then, the SFPUC will investigate your complaint and arrange for any necessary maintenance or cleaning. The information you provide will also be added to a database that the agency uses to locate potential problem areas within the system.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) also urges residents not to sweep or dump waste into catch basins along the sidewalks. Catch basins are meant for storm water overflow only — not for litter, fish scales, yard trimmings, oil, cleaning fluids or paints. During the summer when the weather is dryer and warmer, debris in catch basins simply collects and eventually starts to smell. If you believe that a catch basin near your home needs to be unclogged, call the DPW at 311.

Sewer backups are a less common, but more urgent problem than odor. These emergencies, as well as any others related to the sewer system, should be reported immediately to the SFPUC. Just call the 24-hour Hotline at (415) 554-3444 and you will be transferred to the appropriate department.

To report other air quality and pollution issues, call the Bay Area Air Quality Management District 24-hour Hotline: 1-800-334-ODOR (6367).

For information on municipal sewer service, see our Water & Sewer Service article.