Physical inspection of canyons is another way to prevent sewer spills in our urban canyons. After every significant rainfall, Wastewater Collection crews hike through critical portions of the Critical Canyons to inspect the sewer lines and manholes. Metro Wastewater has also partnered with the San Diego Police Department to utilize police helicopters to patrol canyon areas after significant rains. Similarly, the Department uses its Volunteer Canyon Watchers to report any indications of real or potential canyon sewer spills observed during recreational hikes through our urban canyons.

Complete your Canyon Watchers Field Report Form

When a sewer spill occurs in a street or on private property, that spill is usually reported to the Metropolitan Wastewater Department within minutes. In a canyon, such a spill may go undetected for days.

If while on your canyon walk you see…

• sewage or a foamy discharge spilling from a manhole;
• sewage flowing down a canyon;
• a damaged or vandalized manhole;
• an exposed sewer pipe; or
• an unsecured manhole - one without a cross bar or recessed bolts

…Call the Sewer Spill Hotline at (619) 515-3525.

Be prepared to identify the location of the spill or damage and if possible, report the number painted on the manhole structure.

To get involved with the Canyon Watchers Program, call our Public Information Line at (858) 292-6484 or email us at mwwd@sandiego.gov.