A collection system is a network of pipes, manholes, clean-outs, lift stations and other structures used to collect all wastewater and transport it to a treatment plant or disposal system.

The collection system that is utilized by the town of Gualala is a unique system. A septic tank is still utilized, but with no leech fields. Instead of having leech fields customers either have a pump system inside the septic tank or a gravity system. Wastewater that would normally be transferred to the ground by the leech lines are instead piped into GCSD's collection system, which then travels to the wastewater plant for further treatment.

What is a lift station?Sewage lift stations, also called pump stations, are used for pumping raw sewage from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. 

GCSD utilizes extended aeration for its primary treatment of the raw wastewater. After primary treatment it goes through a tertiary treatment process, which meets Title 22 standards and is used for irrigation on the Sea Ranch Golf Links.

The aeration system in the activated sludge process provides oxygen to the microorganisms and mixes the contents. The mixing brings the wastewater pollutants into contact with the microorganisms to treat the wastewater and reduce the pollutants. The pollutants that can't be reduced are wasted out of the system and sent to landfill.