Watertown City Offers Seasonal Variance for Sump Pump Discharge to Sanitary Sewer

Sump pump system installation in progress beneath a Watertown, South Dakota residence, ensuring efficient water management and protection against basement flooding.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Watertown residents and businesses needing to discharge clear water from their sump pumps into the sanitary sewer during the freezing winter months can now apply for the annual Seasonal Sump Pump Variance from the City of Watertown.

The temporary variance period is typically effective from October 15 to March 15 and must be renewed annually. The fee for the temporary variance is $125, which includes a $25 non-refundable application fee. The variance period may be shortened depending on weather conditions.

How to Apply and Important Details

To apply for the variance, citizens have two options:

1.    Online: Apply through the City’s website at watertownsd.us/variance.

2.    By Phone: Call the Wastewater division of the Public Works Department at 605-882-6244 if internet access is unavailable.

If the City does not have a current inspection record for the property's sump pump system, an inspection will be scheduled before approval of the variance. Once approved, the City's Finance Office will send a bill for the $125 fee, which is due within 30 days of billing.

Understanding the Impact on the Sewer System

The City emphasized that discharging clean sump water into the sanitary sewer is typically not permitted due to the significant strain it places on the system.

·        A single 1/3 horsepower sump pump running for just 15 minutes every hour can add 10,800 gallons of water per day to the sewer.

·        The city's wastewater facility is designed to handle 4,000,000 gallons daily. If just 100 pumps operate at the mentioned rate, it adds over one million gallons daily, a significant increase to the load.

·        Treating clean sump pump water costs the same as treating wastewater. Excessive clean water in the system can lead to higher sewer rates and, in extreme cases, cause sewer backups that may result in basement flooding.

The City encourages all applicants to remain out of the sanitary sewer system as long as possible. A key tip is to place the sump pump hose on a declining surface (such as a board or snow drift) so that it drains completely, which prevents the hose from freezing during cold conditions.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Using a sump pump to discharge clear water into the sanitary sewer without an approved, written variance is a violation of the city code. Noncompliance can result in a Class 2 Misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500. Each day the violation continues is considered a separate offense.

The City also offered tips for managing water around the home to reduce reliance on the sewer system:

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·        Divert Water: Install and ensure gutters and downspouts have long extensions to move water a reasonable distance from the foundation.

·        Check Grading: The ground around the home should visibly slope away from the foundation.

·        Surface Drainage: For large areas, consider surface drainage solutions to redirect water before it reaches the home's foundation.