Oro Loma Sanitary District Celebrates 100 Years

Saturday, Aug. 7, marked the 100th anniversary of Oro Loma Sanitary District, making it one of the oldest such districts in California.

The district serves the communities of San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland and Fairview, plus portions of San Leandro, Hayward and Castro Valley.

In the midst of a poor economy, the district's Board of Directors decided to refrain from spending taxpayer money on a large celebration.

Instead, OLSD will offer free tours of the treatment plant every Wednesday in August.

But there are also plenty of other accomplishments the district continues to celebrate.

OLSD continues to have the lowest sewer service rates in the state and has been the recipient of many industry awards. It is also a leader in the use of green energy, making it practically self-sufficient.

Over the years, OLSD has grown to serve residents and businesses in both sewer collection and wastewater treatment. The district also provides trash collection and recycling services to its customers.

Tucked away at the end of Grant Avenue, OLSD sits between San Lorenzo Creek and the Bockman Canal. People flock to this area for birdwatching, exercise and other recreational activities.

The district was established in 1911 to serve a population that was growing as farms and orchards were being subdivided into individual home sites. 

Today it serves thousands of people in area of 13 square miles.

"We're set up well for the next 100 years," General Manager Jason Warner said.

For more information about OLSD or to make reservations for a tour, call 510-276-470 or visitwww.oroloma.org