Mostly clear. Low 38F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Mostly clear. Low 38F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

As of October 15, any Watertown home or business that needs to continue operating a sump pump discharging clear water may request a variance to discharge to the sanitary sewer.

Discharging clear water to the sanitary sewer without first obtaining a written variance is not permissible.

The fee for obtaining a seasonal sump pump variance is $125 annually, which includes a $25 application fee.

The temporary variance is normally from October 15 to March 15 and must be renewed each year; the variance period may be shortened if necessary.

Applications for a written variance may be made via the City’s website at www.watertownsd.us/variance. Applicants without internet access may apply for a

variance by calling Wastewater, a division of Public Works, at 882-6244.

If a current inspection of your property is not on file, an appointment to inspect your sump pump system will be scheduled before a variance will be granted. Once an

inspection has been conducted and the sump pump variance has been granted, the City’s Finance Office will mail you a bill for the $125 fee. Payment is due 30 days from billing.

Although the variance period begins October 15, applicants are encouraged to stay out of the sanitary sewer as long as possible. Laying your sump pump hose on a declining surface (board, snow drift, etc.) so it drains empty during freezing conditions will prolong the time you are able to stay out of the sanitary sewer.

Sump pump flows have a significant impact on the sewer system. A one-third horsepower sump pump running 15 minutes per hour for a 24-hour period can discharge approximately 10,800 gallons per day. If 100 sump pumps operate under these conditions, this would amount to an additional 1,080,000 gallons per day into the system.

The average design flow of the wastewater facility is 4,000,000 gallons per day. The cost of treating clean sump pump water is the same as treating polluted

wastewater. Increased flows due to clean sump pump water result in increased costs at the wastewater facility. Continued increased flows could result in an increase in sewer rates.

Excessive sump pump discharges into the sanitary sewer could also result in the sanitary sewer system flooding your basement and/or your neighbor's basements.

The installation of gutters and downspouts is an effective and easy means of water management if downspout extensions are in place and long enough to convey the water away from the foundation.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

Would you like to receive our daily news?  Signup today!