Weekly Message from Mayor Madden

Illegal Sump Pump Connections

There are very good reasons why municipalities maintain separate discharge service mains, one for sewage and the other for storm, rain and surface water.

Storm water typically doesn’t require treatment to return this water safely back into the environment or flow to the nearest body of water.

However, collected sewage requires expensive treatment which costs residents in higher utility bills and ultimately, higher taxes. Unfortunately, many residents take the easiest connection discharge route and connect directly to the sanitary lateral rather than a storm drain. Discharging storm water, groundwater, roof runoff or surface water will exponentially overload and stress the sanitary laterals during rain events. This added “sewage” may eventually reverse flow back into a basement, toilet, washing machine, etc. In addition, dangerous sewer gases are released into the home. Such damage can never be covered by your home insurance policy due to an illegal hookup.

Infiltration increases cost

This excessive loading in the sanitary lateral (called infiltration) dramatically increases the cost of treatment at the wastewater plant. When this happens, there is no way for the utilities to track and subsequently bill these offenders. This is like receiving an additional “service” for free. Therefore it is grossly unfair for residents who abide by the law to foot the bill for these offenders. My Business Administrator and I will be completely overhauling the sewer ordinance to provide checks and balances. Our goal is to bring these charges into a fair and equitable process for all residents.

Thank you and please be safe.

Mayor John L. Madden