Sump pumps and footing drains that are connected to the city's sanitary sewer system, are a large contributor to such problems as: Basements flooding, system backups and plant overflows.  They also cost our customers thousands of dollars every year, by having to pump and treat storm water unnecessarily.  Sump pump discharges should be connected to the storm sewer system if available or discharged directly onto the ground outside your home.

If you would like to inspect your own system, here are some things to look for:

1.    Is there anything other than rain/ground water going to your sump pump?
Discharges from laundry, bar sinks, water softeners, etc. should be connected to the sanitary sewer.

2.    Follow the discharge line from your pump, it should not be connected to your sanitary sewer.

3.    Does your pump run a lot when it is raining?
Check your down spouts, they should discharge at least five feet away from the house.  If they don't there is a variety of ways to correct this.
Check the grade (the way the ground slopes) around your home.  It should all slope away from the house.  A good way to check this is to look for standing water around your house during or just after a good rain.  Fill any low spots so that the water runs away from the house.

Residents of the city will be contacted soon, by treatment plant staff to arrange for in home inspections.

If you have any questions, or would like some help inspecting your system, please contact City Hall at 989-288-3113 or E-Mail your request to: Steve Mince