Sump Pumps

Sump Pump Rules and Regulations

It is against city ordinance to discharge your sump pump into the sanitary sewer system, for example: your Floor Drain - Washtub - or any other drain inside your home that empties into the city's sanitary sewer system. Sump pumps must be connected to a rigid pipe that routes water outdoors. Sump pumps must discharge water from the building to the lawn or storm sewer system. Improper installation of sump pumps, through cross connections increase sewer flows drastically during rain events.

 City code treats sump pump discharge like rain spouts for gutters on a roof. As long as the discharge is composed entirely of ground water or natural precipitation, it should be routed outdoors. As mentioned above, it is against city ordinance to connect a sump pump to the City's sewer system (for example via a utility sink or floor drain) as it results in additional wastewater treatment costs, sewer overflows and needlessly sends clean water through pumping stations

 Homeowners are encouraged to route sump pump discharge at least 6 feet away from their home onto the lawn for infiltration prior to reaching the street. The hose should be placed in a manner that will not cause negative impacts to adjacent property owners or create a public safety concern. If your sump pump runs often and is causing a soggy lawn for your or others, you might consider connecting to the drain tile below the curb (in most new subdivisions).

 If you have any questions, please contact the Otsego Utilities Department.