City of Watertown Reminds Residents: Sump Pump Regulations Now in Effect

"Highlighting the updated sump pump regulations in Watertown, South Dakota, as discussed on Northeast Radio SD."

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With warmer temperatures arriving and snow beginning to melt, the City of Watertown’s Wastewater Division is reminding residents of seasonal regulations regarding sump pump usage to protect the local infrastructure and prevent costly backups.

Seasonal Restrictions Now in Effect

As of March 15, the seasonal prohibition on discharging sump pump water into the city’s sanitary sewer system is officially in effect. This restriction remains in place annually through October 15.

During this period, residents must ensure their sump pumps discharge water into their yards where the ground can absorb it, to the curb, or to other city-approved locations. Discharging this water into the sanitary sewer system is strictly prohibited and may result in fines for violators.

Protecting the System and Your Wallet

The city emphasizes that even a single improperly connected sump pump can add thousands of gallons of water to the sewer system per day. When multiple homes are connected to the sanitary sewer, the excessive volume can overwhelm the system’s capacity, significantly increasing the risk of sewer backups across entire neighborhoods.

In addition to infrastructure risks, there is a direct financial impact on residents. The Wastewater Division noted that treating clean groundwater costs the same as treating wastewater. This unnecessary added volume strains the facility and could drive up sewer rates for all users.

Resident Tips and Best Practices

To help manage water runoff and reduce the frequency of sump pump activity, the Public Works Department encourages the following actions:

·         Foundation Maintenance: Use gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater and snowmelt away from the home’s foundation.

·         Freeze Protection: During occasional freezing conditions, residents should place sump pump hoses on a slope to ensure they drain completely and do not freeze shut.

·         Online Resources: Visual examples of proper hose placement can be found on the city’s website at www.watertownsd.us/freezing.

For further questions or to clarify approved discharge locations, residents are encouraged to contact the Wastewater Facility directly at (605) 882-6244.