Sanitary Sewer

Coral Gables sanitary sewer system consists of underground pipes that carry sewage from kitchens, sinks, bathroom, and other plumbing components to a wastewater treatment plant. There the waste is filtered, treated, and discharged. In Coral Gables, our sanitary sewer system carries our wastewater away from Coral Gables and connects to the Miami Dade County sanitary sewer system and ends up at the Virginia Key Wastewater Treatment Plant, where the County oversees its treatment. The city owns, operates and maintains the sanitary sewer system components within our city limits. For more information please see Miami Dade Water and Sewer Department.

Coral Gables Sanitary Sewer System Statistics

• Approx. 64 miles of gravity mains in a range 8-21 inch.
• Approx. 1,400 manholes.
• 35 Pump stations/ basins.
• Approx. 14 miles of force mains in range 4-36 inch.
• 50% population served by Sewer System.
• Discharge into Miami-Dade Water and Sewer System for treatment.
• Volume Sewer Customer

Septic Tanks

Miami-Dade County has instituted more rigorous standards for new and replacement onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDSs), commonly referred to as “septic tanks” or “septic systems.” Learn more on how to properly care for your septic tank at Septic System Care miamidade.gov and at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Quick Tips

• Think at the Sink! What goes down the drain has a big impact on your septic system. Fats, grease, and solids can clog a system’s pipes and drain field.
• Don’t Overload the Commode! A toilet is not a trash can. Disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and cat litter can damage a septic system. 
• Don’t Strain Your Drain! Use water efficiently and stagger use of water-based appliances. Too much water use at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.
• Shield Your Field! Tree and shrub roots, cars, and livestock can damage your septic drain field.
• Keep It Clean! Contamination can occur when a septic system leaks from improper maintenance. Be sure your drinking water is safe to drink by testing it regularly.
• Protect It and Inspect It! Regular septic system maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs, and it protects public health. 
• Pump Your Tank! Ensure your septic tank is pumped at regular intervals as recommended by a professional and/or local permitting authority. 

Stormwater

Stormwater runoff is generated from rain events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters.

Better Management Practices Tips

Rainy days in South Florida and in Coral Gables are very common, and if not careful, these downpours may result in stormwater pollution. As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns and sidewalks, it can pick up debris, chemicals, silt, and other pollutants. So, what can you do to help? There are some things that you can do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution. Stormwater may flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, canal or coastal water. Polluted runoff is the greatest threat to clean water.

How to prevent stormwater runoff pollution:

• Minimize or eliminate fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide use (especially during summer months when rains are heavy) —or switch to organic varieties that are not harmful.
• Never dump anything down storm drains or into canals, lakes, or streams.
• Avoid over-watering your lawn. 
• Compost yard waste.
• Sweep up debris.
• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and consider a rain garden to capture runoff.
• Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
• Check your car for leaks and recycle motor oil.
• Pick up trash, pet waste and litter around your yard and home.