Due to recent storms and heavy rainfall, the Wastewater Treatment Facility is seeing significantly higher flows than normal. It is imperative that residents ensure their sure sump pumps are not discharging to the sanitary sewer.
‣ Sump pump water must be discharged into your yard, the curb, or another appropriate location - not the sanitary sewer!
‣ Water entering the sanitary system increases the risk of sewer backups into homes.
‣ Keeping sump pumps properly directed protects your home, your neighbors, and the overall system.
Staff is going door to door to check for proper valving of sump pump discharges. Staff also use a video camera system that travels through the sanitary sewer main in the street to identify homes/businesses that are illegally discharging sump pump water to the sanitary sewer.
Illegal sump pump connections can result in enforcement. Discharging water into the sanitary sewer right during this time period is a violation of City ordinance and may result in a Class 2 Misdemeanor—up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Each day the violation continues is considered a separate offense.
Your cooperation makes a difference. For questions, please contact the Wastewater Facility at (605) 882-6244.