Have you recently purchased or installed a new sump pump?  Or are you considering a future install of a sump pump?  If so, check out these important considerations from Southgate Water & Sanitation Districts regarding sump pumps and the sanitary sewer system:

Southgate prohibits unauthorized use or discharge into the District's sewer system. Please follow this link:  Microsoft Word - ARTICLE 9.doc (southgatedistricts.org) to read about the rules and regulations (article 9-7-2) Southgate could enforce if a property owner connects a sump pump to discharge to their private sewer service line.  

Overwhelming the sewage system. During a heavy rainstorm, the volume of water that sump pumps can move is more than the municipal sewer system and water treatment facility are designed to handle. If the sewer main gets overwhelmed, then wastewater can get backed up into your sewer line (under the property) or even into your home. This can result in a giant mess and health hazards. 

Environmental impact. When water treatment facilities are overloaded, they can dump sewage or only partially cleaned water into local water outlets, which is harmful to the environment.

Issues selling your house. If you’re looking to sell your home and your sump pump is incorrectly hooked up, it may get flagged during a home inspection.

Inaccurate water bills. Most municipalities or water authorities determine your water bills based on your water usage – basically how much water comes out of the faucet. But your water bill usually accounts for both your fresh water supply and upkeep for the sewage system. So, if your sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer (which the water department can’t track or bill for), you’re using service that you aren’t paying for – which some consider stealing. 

*For more information regarding Southgate Water & Sanitation Districts specifications regarding underdrain systems, please follow this link:  https://southgatedistricts.org/DocumentCenter/View/140/Sanitary-Sewer-System-Specifications?bidId=