Existing wastewater treatment facilities throughout the county have excess capacity. A few areas in the County on septic systems are at carrying capacity or have restrictions on further subdivisions and second units. (3)

All the major wastewater treatment plants have excess capacity. Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency has capacity to at least 2005, Carmel Area Wastewater District to 2020, City of Gonzales to 2015, City of Greenfield to at least 2015, City of Soledad to 2005-2010, and City of King City to shortly after 2000.

The following areas on septic systems are at or near septic systems carrying capacity: Bolsa Knolls area north of Salinas, Carmel Valley Village area, and Mid-Carmel Valley. There are blanket restrictions on both further subdivisions and second units due to nitrate contamination potential in the following areas: Carmel Valley Village area, Mid-Carmel Valley area, and Prunedale area.