The sewer collection service program is primarily funded by the Sewer Service Charges that are levied on properties that receive sewer service from the Districts. Sewer Service Charge rates for the ten County Sewer Maintenance and Sanitation Districts are set by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and are described in Section 4.32.020 of the Ordinance Code. Regular Sewer Service Charges are included on annual property tax bills.

Public Works personnel maintain the sewer mains in a street or easement and related facilities that comprise the collection system. Ownership and maintenance of sewer laterals -- the sewer line that connects the plumbing of a house or business to the sewer main -- are the property owner's responsibility. Section 4.24 of the Ordinance Code governs sewer mains and laterals.

The County does not operate sewage treatment facilities. Sewage flows from the collection systems in County districts to sewage treatment plants operated by the South Bayside System Authority, the City of Burlingame, or the City of San Mateo. The County Sewer/Sanitation Districts pay the plant or city that treats the sewage.