Sewer Project
Rebuilding for our future
The Paradise Sewer Project
Preliminary design of the local wastewater treatment facility (WWTF)
and initial collection system kicked off in February 2026. The previous Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) is undergoing
updates via a Subsequent PEIR.
Project Benefits
Provide wastewater disposal surety to help businesses and jobs return to Paradise and spur on recovery
Allow for more densely-populated residential development in the Town to help increase affordable housing
Improve Paradise groundwater quality by decreasing septic tank discharges
Create a wastewater solution supported by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Town Council
Proposed Project
In 2025, the Town, with support from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (CVRWQCB), investigated options to build a local, scalable and economically viable WWTF to receive and treat wastewater from the Town. In August 2025, the Paradise Town Council voted to move forward with developing a project consisting of a hybrid gravity/low pressure collection system, aerated lagoon wastewater treatment and disposal of treated effluent through percolation/evaporation ponds. Subsequent soils analysis determined that percolation/ evaporation ponds are not feasible in the Paradise area; therefore, in June 2026, Town Council voted to adopt a revised project description consisting of a hybrid gravity/low pressure collection system, membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment, and surface water discharge. With an MBR treatment system, wastewater is cleaned using bacteria and membrane filters. Once the wastewater is treated and disinfected to meet required standards, it will be released into a nearby drainage creek or stream under applicable permit requirements. Following direction from Town Council, a Subsequent PEIR is currently being prepared to reflect the revised project description. Design of the revised collection system and treatment facility are underway.
Core Collection System
Infrastructure and pipes to collect wastewater from the sewer service area and convey it to the future Paradise Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Wastewater Treatment Facility
A Wastewater Treatment Facility will receive, treat, and discharge wastewater from the Town.
Extended Collection System
An extension of the Core Collection System will allow collection of sewage from parcels outside of the Core Collection System but within Paradise town limits up to the allowed capacity.
Project Map
Click map to enlarge
Project Schedule
Since its incorporation in 1979, the Town has sought a wastewater treatment solution, with a focus primarily on commercial and densely-populated residential areas — the portions of Paradise most vulnerable to groundwater degradation and economic stagnation due to sewer limitations. To learn more, check out the schedule below for activities to date or our Frequently Asked Questions for the Town’s history.
Legend
◆ Public Comment Period
▲ Proposition 218 Rate Notice
CEQA – California Environmental Quality Act
NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
ROW – Right-of-Way
SPEIR – Subsequent Program Environmental Impact Report
WWTF – Wastewater Treatment Facility
Legend
◆ Public Comment Period
▲ Proposition 218 Rate Notice
CEQA – California Environmental Quality Act
NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
ROW – Right-of-Way
SPEIR – Subsequent Program Environmental Impact Report
WWTF – Wastewater Treatment Facility