SOCWA’s discharge of treated wastewater into the ocean is regulated by strict state and federal standards, and requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

SOCWA operates four wastewater treatment facilities, and supports several other treatment facilities operated by its member agencies. All of these facilities discharge their treated wastewater to the Pacific Ocean through SOCWA’s Aliso Creek Ocean Outfall or San Juan Creek Ocean Outfall. SOCWA has been issued NPDES permits from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board for both of its ocean outfalls, each setting forth the waste discharge requirements.