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.

Show All Answers

1. What is a sump pump and why is it needed?
2. What is a sanitary sewer?
3. What is a storm drain?
4. How do I see if my sump pump is 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?
6. Are sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system illegal?
7. What can I do with the clear water that was going into the sanitary sewer?
8. Who can I contact for additional information?