Ironhouse Sanitary District was founded in 1945 to help protect public health and the environment in the Oakley area. Local residents supported the creation of the District because the growing community needed a safe and reliable way to collect and treat wastewater. The District was named after the historic Ironhouse School, a rural schoolhouse that once served families in the area.

The District expanded its services to keep pace with the region's growth. About 30 years after it was formed, Bethel Island joined the District and began receiving wastewater services as well.

A major milestone came in 2011 with the opening of the District's advanced Water Recycling Facility in Oakley. Designed in-house by District staff, the Water Recycling Facility received a sanitation industry award for technological advancement. The environmentally responsible, highly regulated treatment plant uses a membrane bioreactor (MBR) process for filtration and disinfects water with ultraviolet light. The facility uses modern treatment technologies to clean wastewater and produce recycled water that can be safely reused, helping conserve valuable water resources and protect the environment.

In August 2025, Ironhouse Sanitary District marked 80 years of service to the community. A celebration honoring this milestone was held at the District on October 18, 2025. Throughout its history, the District has remained committed to protecting public health, preserving local waterways, and providing reliable wastewater and water recycling services for future generations.

Today, Ironhouse Sanitary District employs 34 field and office staff who serve more than 47,000 customers in Oakley and Bethel Island. Located north of Main Street in Oakley, the Water Recycling Facility treats approximately 2.6 million gallons of wastewater each day. From administration and field operations to water treatment and recycling, our team takes pride in protecting public health. We remain committed to industry leadership and maintaining a clean, healthy environment.

Click here to view a historical timeline of Ironhouse Sanitary District.