Removing Clear Water from the Sewer System
Redirecting Sump Pump illicit discharge
The MSD Private Property Illicit Discharge Program exists to hold down costs and rate increases by keeping clear water that doesn't need to be treated out of the sewer system. Basement sump pumps connected to sewer pipes can overload them and cause backups and overflows. That's why such connections are illegal.
MSD will pay for disconnection
All illegal connections to the sewer system must be removed. MSD will pay the costs, up to a limited amount, of disconnecting and redirecting sump pumps for property owners who do so voluntarily.
It starts with a basement inspection by Private Property Illicit Discharge Program staff to assess the connection at each property. If it is determined that disconnection is needed and feasible, the property owner arranges with a contractor to do the job.
The completed project is inspected again. Once the disconnection passes inspection, the Private Property Illicit Discharge Program will pay the contractor directly.
Property owners who do not voluntarily disconnect sump pumps from sewer lines will be assessed a $75 surcharge added to the wastewater portion of each monthly water bill. The surcharge will continue until the sump pump is disconnected.
Why disconnecting sump pumps from sewer lines is important
The drainage system is designed to capture the clear water from rain and melted snow and route it to area waterways to prevent flooding. In newer areas clear water flows through what is know as a Separate Storm Sewer System that feeds directly into those waterways.
It is separate from the Sanitary Sewer System that transports the contaminated wastewater leaving homes and businesses after it is flushed or sent down drains. That wastewater goes through an extensive and expensive treatment process before it is released into area waterways.
In older areas clear water and wastewater flow together in a single set of pipes known as a Combined Sewer System, requiring treatment of higher volumes from the combined flow. Heavy rains challenge the capacity of combined and separate systems, and can cause them to overflow, potentially resulting in flooding and basement backups of wastewater. Reducing clear water in the system by disconnecting sump pumps is an effective way to minimize overflows along with the costs and health threats they bring.
