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Winter is coming so starting Oct. 15, homes and businesses that need to continue using a sump pump to discharge clear ground water can request a seasonal sump pump variance to discharge into the sanitary sewer.
The annual fee for this temporary variance from the City is $125, which includes a $25 application fee.
This variance typically applies from Oct. 15 to March 15 each year, though it may be shortened if needed. Digital applicaitons can be found on the city’s website at watertownsd.us/variance. Physical applications can be picked up at the city hall. Variances can also be applied for via phone by calling the Wastewater division at 605-882-6244.
If the City doesn’t have a current inspection record of your sump pump system, one will need to be scheduled before a variance can be approved. After the inspection and approval, the City’s Finance Office will mail a bill for the $125 fee, which is due within 30 days from billing.
Using a sump pump to discharge clear water into the sanitary sewer without a variance is prohibited. The city encourages residents to explore other options to keep water out of the sanitary sewer for as long as possible to reduce pressure on the wastewater plant. For example, placing a sump pump hose on a sloping surface (like a board or snow drift) can help keep it clear during freezing conditions.
Sump pumps can significantly increase the load on our sewer system. A single 1/3 HP pump running for 15 minutes every hour can add around 10,800 gallons of water per day to the sewer according to the City. The wastewater facility is designed to handle 4,000,000 gallons a day, so capacity can quickly be eaten up by by a pump.
Because all water co-mingles in the sewer system, treating clean sump pump water costs the same as treating wastewater. Too much clean water in the system skews numbers which the City claims could lead to higher sewer rates.
Tips to Manage Water Around Your Home:
- Install gutters and downspouts to help divert water away from your foundation. Downspout extensions are a cheap alternative to move snow melt a good distance from the foundation.
- Check the grading around your home. The ground should slope away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling. If you can’t clearly see the slope, it may not be steep enough.
- For large areas where water flows toward a house, consider installing surface drainage solutions to redirect water before it reaches your foundation.
Penalties for Noncompliance
If a residence or business is found discharging clean water into the sanitary sewer outside of the variance period or without a valid variance, the penalty is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, which includes penalties of up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500. By law, each day the violation continues is considered a separate offense.
