I have been reading about the sewage treatment plant being overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms. I thought sewers were separate from storm drains. How can this happen and is there anything I can do?

There are two main reasons for this problem. One is connection of storm drains to the sewer system, which is illegal. If you have a downspout or area drain connected to your sewer, this should be corrected so the stormwater is discharged in an appropriate manner. The other common cause of this problem is old sewer lines, both City and County mains and private laterals. Older sewers were made of clay pipe, which can break or separate over the years, allowing rainwater in the ground to get into the pipe that leads to the treatment plant. You are strongly urged to have your lateral inspected and replaced if it is clay pipe. This will help reduce potential overflows at the SASM treatment plant.


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1. How do I know which sanitary district my property is in?
2. I have a septic tank. Who do I call?
3. How do I make a Public Records request?
4. How much of my sewer lateral am I responsible to maintain?
5. What is the best way to dispose of excess groundwater that may accumulate during construction on my property?
6. There is a sewer backup in my house. What should I do?
7. There is sewage bubbling out of the ground or street. What should I do?
8. I have been reading about the sewage treatment plant being overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms. I thought sewers were separate from storm drains. How can this happen and is there anything I can do?
9. How do I dispose of fats, oil and grease (FOG)?