FAQs • Fishers, IN • CivicEngage

How does a sump pump connected to the sanitary sewer cause problems in the wastewater conveyance and treatment system?: A typical sump pump can add up to 6,000 gallons a day to the wastewater conveyance and treatment system. A sanitary sewer pipe that has designed capacity for 200 homes can be taken up completely by 18 sump pumps. Overloaded sanitary sewer pipes can backup into basements and overflow from manholes. This situation can cause environmental damage and endanger human health. Additional stormwater flows at the wastewater treatment plant increase the cost of treatment and impact treatment performance. Sanitary sewer overflows and discharge limitation non-compliance at the wastewater treatment plant are violations of the city’s permit with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and U.S. EPA.

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Sump Pump Disconnection Program

1. What is a sump pump and why is it needed?: A sump pump is a device usually located in a basement or crawl space that conveys stormwater from downspouts and building foundation drains into your backyard, nearby storm sewer or retention pond. It is needed so the basement or crawl space does not flood during a storm or when the ground water table elevation is high.

2. What is a sanitary sewer?: A sanitary sewer is a pipe utilized to convey wastewater from your toilets, showers, sinks, laundry/dish washers and floor drains to the wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant treats and removes bacteria, solids and other pollutants from the wastewater prior to discharge to the White River.

3. What is a storm drain?: The storm drain is a pipe or swale designed to take stormwater from the streets, sidewalks, and residential and commercial properties, and conveys it to nearby retention ponds, creeks and streams. This “clear” stormwater is not treated at the wastewater treatment plant.

4. How do I see if my sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer?: While the sump pump is running, follow the discharge pipe from the sump pump to the outlet or connection point to a larger pipe. If the pipe does not go outside to your backyard, nearby storm sewer, sub-surface drain or into a cistern/drywell then it is most likely connected to the sanitary sewer.

5. How does a sump pump connected to the sanitary sewer cause problems in the wastewater conveyance and treatment system?: A typical sump pump can add up to 6,000 gallons a day to the wastewater conveyance and treatment system. A sanitary sewer pipe that has designed capacity for 200 homes can be taken up completely by 18 sump pumps. Overloaded sanitary sewer pipes can backup into basements and overflow from manholes. This situation can cause environmental damage and endanger human health. Additional stormwater flows at the wastewater treatment plant increase the cost of treatment and impact treatment performance. Sanitary sewer overflows and discharge limitation non-compliance at the wastewater treatment plant are violations of the city’s permit with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and U.S. EPA.

6. Are sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system illegal?: Yes. The city's Sewer User and Stormwater Ordinances prohibit the discharge of clear water to the sanitary sewer. Any sump pump currently connected to the sanitary sewer should be disconnected and re-routed.

7. What can I do with the clear water that was going into the sanitary sewer?: Clear water can be directed to a low point in your backyard and/or conveyed into a rain garden. The water can also be collected in a cistern and used later, or in a dry well so the water will slowly seep back into the ground. If there is a storm drain near your home the water can also be conveyed directly into the storm drain. Remember, only clean water can go into the storm drain.

8. Who can I contact for additional information?: Please contact Jonathan Valenta, Assistant Director – Department of Public Works, 10210 Eller Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, 317-595-3139 (office), email: valentaj@fishers.in.us