Illicit Connections

Sump pumps, roof drains, and area drains are prohibited from connecting directly or indirectly to the sanitary sewer system. If storm water and ground water were allowed to freely enter the sanitary sewer, the costs of conveyance and treatment of wastewater would increase. If left unchecked, these extraneous flows can have significant public health and environmental impacts by causing sanitary sewer overflows. 

In order to mitigate these concerns and reduce costs to users, a program is in place to ensure sump pumps, roof drains, and area drains are not connected to the sanitary sewer. Prior to the transfer of title of any real property containing a building in which there is a sump pump, roof drain, and/or area drain; the owner shall obtain a certificate of compliance from the Sewer Department. The certificate may be obtained online for a fee of twenty dollars. 

Property owners may submit an application for certification online by using the Online Application for a Certificate of Proper Connections of Sump Pumps / Roof Drains and Other Surface and Ground Water Drains-Sewer Department.