Overview

The City of Vernon’s Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) outlines how the City operates, maintains, and manages its sanitary sewer system. The goal is to keep the system safe and reliable, prevent sewer overflows, and respond quickly when problems occur.

A properly maintained sewer system helps protect public health, businesses, the environment, and the community.

Report a Sewer Overflow

If you observe a sewer overflow, spill, or other sewer-related emergency within the City of Vernon, please report it immediately so City staff can respond as quickly as possible.

24/7 Sewer Spill Reporting:
(323) 826-1461

For non-emergency service requests, you may also submit a request through the City's online service portal: https://www.cityofvernonca.gov/government/public-works-division/request-for-non-emergency-city-service.

Help Prevent Sewer Overflows

Preventing sewer overflows is a shared responsibility. Residents, businesses, and property owners can help by keeping fats, oils, grease (FOG), food waste, and other inappropriate materials out of the sewer system.

FOG can build up inside sewer pipes and cause blockages, backups, and overflows.

What You Can Do

• Never pour fats, oils, or grease down a sink or drain.
• Let cooking oil and grease cool, then collect it in a container and dispose of it properly.
• Keep food scraps and other solids out of drains.
• Dispose of wipes, paper towels, and other non-flushable items in the trash—not the toilet.
• Businesses, especially food service establishments, should properly maintain required grease control devices and follow applicable FOG requirements.

These simple steps can help keep Vernon’s sewer system flowing properly and reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows.

The City regularly reviews its Sewer System Management Plan to ensure that its sewer management practices and procedures remain effective and up to date.

View the latest SSMP: City of Vernon SSMP Update 2026 Final