By Eliza Ridgeway

Los Altos and Los Altos Hills may soon iron out a revised sewer agreement.

Los Altos Hills’ share of the Los Altos sewer saga may soon be over. The two city councils met May 8 to discuss a draft sewer agreement, expected to increase Los Altos Hills’ sewer capacity and its control over its own system.

Los Altos Hills has agreements with Los Altos and Palo Alto for the transport, treatment and disposal of town sewage. The Hills’ agreement with Los Altos, struck in 1961, has not included enough capacity to respond to recent growth in the town and its unincorporated areas. The new sewer agreement would increase the number of hookups available to new homes or homes transitioning from septic tank systems. According to LAH Councilman Mike O’Malley, the town has approximately 830 active sewer hookups in the Los Altos Basin, and anticipates needing a maximum of 300 more.

Los Altos Hills also has contracted engineering firm Brown and Caldwell to evaluate the average volume of sewage flowing from residences. Under the original agreement the Hills paid for an expected 300 gallons of sewage per resident per day, but Los Altos city engineer Jim Porter estimated that contemporary flow rates average closer to 400 gallons per day. The total flow per day, and how much increase Los Altos’ pipes can accommodate, will be determined by the study.

The new agreement is expected to provide for greater independence between the two municipalities’ sewer systems, including having Los Altos Hills administer sewer collection fees and issue connection permits.