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What are Sewer Overflows?
When it rains or snow melts, excess water can overload the sewer system resulting in discharges of diluted, untreated wastewater that contains sewage and other contaminants to overflow into the area’s rivers, streams and creeks. When that occurs, people are advised to avoid direct contact with river water.
Why are They a Concern?
While our region’s waterways are much cleaner than in the past, they still are polluted by discharges of diluted, untreated wastewater that contains sewage during overflows, which violate the Clean Water Act. If our region does not significantly reduce the number of overflows, it faces major fines and deterioration of our water quality.
Who is Responsible?
ALCOSAN, municipalities and homeowners all play a significant role in solving this problem. In addition to planned system improvements and expansion of treatment capacity at the ALCOSAN plant, our customer municipalities are under individual Consent Order to reduce excess stormwater from entering the system.
Keep clipped grass, leaves & yard debris away from storm drains.
Don’t plant trees near the sewer lines to prevent pipe-damaging roots.
Capture water in a rain barrel & reuse it to water plants. (If your community permits it.)
Use water-efficient landscaping to absorb stormwater.
Avoid landscaping near sewer lines to prevent blockages.
Wash cars at a car wash rather than in the driveway.
5 Tips That Can Make A Difference
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#1
Encourage your school to bring ALCOSAN representatives in to teach about clean water science.
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Stay up-to-date on ALCOSAN’s Clean Water Plan and encourage your friends to do the same.
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#3
Attend ALCOSAN’s annual Open House, held on the third Saturday in September.
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#3
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#4
Have your group perform storm drain stenciling in your neighborhood to encourage others to keep drains clear.
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