To discharge your sump pump to the sanitary sewer this fall or winter, you must apply for a seasonal sump pump variance
- The variance runs October 15 through March 15 and must be renewed each year.
- The annual cost is $125, which includes a $25 application fee. · Apply online at watertownsd.us/variance or call (605) 882-6244 if you don’t have internet access.
If the City has no inspection record for your sump pump, an inspection is required before approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a bill for the $125 fee from the Finance Office, due within 30 days.
Using a sump pump to discharge clear water into the sanitary sewer without a variance is considered a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which may include fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. Each day the violation continues is treated as a separate offense.Sump pumps add millions of gallons of clean water to the sewer system every day. This extra water increases treatment costs and can cause sewer backups into homes.
Tips:
- Although the variance period began October 15th, applicants are encouraged to delay valving their sump pumps to the sanitary sewer as long as possible. By laying your hose on a slope (like a board or snow drift) to help it drain during freezing conditions will prolong the time you are able to stay out of the sanitary sewer; maybe even all winter.
- When and if you connect, a variance is required!
Questions? Contact the Wastewater Division at (605) 882-6244