The City of Hercules’ wastewater system serves all 26,000 residents within the City limits. The system includes 62 miles of sewer mains, 1,660 manholes and 7,000 private laterals from 8,300 parcels, ensuring wastewater is safely transported from homes and businesses to the Pinole-Hercules Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Sewer lift stations are pumping facilities that help move wastewater from lower to higher elevations when gravity alone isn’t enough for proper flow. They are essential for maintaining efficient wastewater transport, especially in areas with hilly terrain or where underground pipes cannot be installed at a continuous downward slope. Hercules operates seven lift stations, each equipped with emergency backup systems to ensure continuous service.

In case of failure, the City has:

• Backup generators at all seven lift stations to maintain operations during power outages.

• Remote monitoring systems to alert Public Works staff of any issues in real-time.

• Emergency response teams ready to address mechanical failures or blockages immediately.

The Pinole-Hercules Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at the foot of Tennent Avenue in the City of Pinole, is jointly owned by the Cities of Hercules and Pinole, with each city holding a 50/50 equal interest. Hercules and Pinole share operational costs proportionally and split capital improvement costs evenly.

Treated wastewater is pumped through a force main to a deep-water outfall in Rodeo, managed by the Rodeo Sanitary District. Costs associated with the outfall are shared based on an established agreement between Hercules, Pinole, and Rodeo.

The City of Pinole manages plant operations, ensuring wastewater is treated properly before being discharged safely into San Francisco Bay.

If residents experience a sewer backup, they should first contact the Public Works Division before calling a plumber. For after-hours emergencies, the Non-Emergency Police Dispatch at (510) 724-1111 should be contacted.

If you observe contractors leaving construction debris or trash on the road, please report it immediately to the Public Works Department at 510-799-8252. Proper disposal is required to maintain safety and cleanliness in the community.

You are invited to present oral or written testimony at the Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 22 at 7 p.m. at the Hercules City Council Chambers, 111 Civic Drive. 

Written protests must include the following: 

• A statement indicating that the identified property owner or customer of record is in opposition to the proposed sewer rate changes

• The street address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) for the parcel(s) with respect to which the protest is made

• The name and signature of the owner or customer.

Written protests must be mailed, or hand delivered, to the City Clerk at 111 Civic Drive and must be received by 4 p.m. on July 22 or hand delivered to the City Clerk at the Public Hearing on July 22 before the conclusion of the Public Hearing. 

If you do not object to the proposed rate revisions to fund the operation, maintenance, and capital improvements for City sewer services, you do not need to take any action.

Learn more via the Hercules 2025 Prop 218 Sewer Rate Notice.