By April 1, 2025, residents are asked to stop pumping sump pump water into the sanitary sewer. Instead, direct it to your yard, street, or another acceptable location. This protects homes and the environment by reducing the strain on the sewer system.
Discharging sump pump water into the sewer is prohibited. During freezing conditions, ensure your sump pump hose drains completely by placing it on a slope so it drains empty. For an example of how to do this, visit www.watertownsd.us/freezing.
One sump pump can add thousands of gallons of water daily, and as few as 100 pumps can add millions. Given that the wastewater facility is designed to treat 4 million gallons per day, this significantly impacts the sewer system’s capacity and the wastewater facility’s ability to treat the wastewater. Excessive sump pump discharges into the sanitary sewer could lead to sewage backing up into both you and your neighbor’s basements.
Treating clean sump pump water costs the same as treating wastewater, potentially increasing sewer rates.
One effective and simple method of water management to reduce the amount of water pumped by your sump pump is the installation of gutters and downspouts, provided their extensions are long enough to divert water away from the foundation.
Discharging sump pump water into the sewer after the variance period ends, or without a written variance during the temporary seasonal variance period, is illegal. It may result in criminal penalties associated with a Class 2 Misdemeanor, including up to 30 days in jail and up to a $500 fine. Each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Your cooperation in diverting sump pumps out of the sanitary sewer system is immensely appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact the Wastewater Facility at (605) 882-6244.