Press Release

ISSUE UPDATE

SANITARY SEWER SERVICE

Introduction

Most of the time we take sanitary sewer service for granted. Water from the tap goes down the drain. We flush and it’s gone. However, when something doesn’t work right it becomes all too apparent how important it is to have reliable service. In this issue we will provide basic information on wastewater collection and treatment in our service area. We will address common sewer problems and what to do if a sewer backs up. In a future issue we will discuss a major problem with our sanitary sewer system, namely surcharge and overflow under wet weather conditions, and what will be required to address that problem.

Basics

Wastewater treatment for the Mid-County area is provided at the plant located off North M-52 just north of VG’s. A very basic treatment plant was first constructed in the 1930s. The current facility was constructed in 1980, and significantly modified in 1986, to serve the mid-County and providing an advanced level of wastewater treatment minimizing the affect on the Shiawassee River. The plant processes average dry weather flows of about 2,800,000 gallons per day. About two thirds is from the City of Owosso and the remainder from Corunna and the sewered portions of Caledonia and Owosso Townships. The City operates the Mid-County treatment plant and its own wastewater collection system. Corunna maintains its own collection system. The Townships have a joint utility authority to maintain the Townships’ collection system and to bill Township customers for sewer service.

About 75% of the sewer charges on your monthly bill are for the City’s share of the wastewater treatment plant expenses. The remainder is for operating and maintaining the wastewater collection system that consists of 3 pumping stations and over 75 miles of pipe ranging from 8-inch to 30-inch diameter with 5,660 service connections.

Use of the wastewater system is regulated under Chapter 34 of the Owosso City Code (available at www.ci.owosso.mi.us under the  “reference desk” or at City Hall). Most of the regulation applies primarily to industrial or commercial users of the wastewater system. There are some key points for residential users. Under Section 34-151 “The building sewer, including that portion in the public right-of-way, shall be maintained, repaired and replaced as required by the owner at no cost to the city.” There are sections that prohibit or limit discharges to the wastewater system. Flammable materials, such as gasoline, paint thinner or solvents are prohibited from discharge. These materials should be used or disposed through the County Household Hazardous Waste Collection program. Avoid discharging anything that could lead to sewer line plugging (plastics, excess grease, etc.). The ordinance prohibits (Section 34-168(6)) the discharge of “Any storm water, surface or subsurface drainage or roof runoff…” to the wastewater collection system. That system is only designed for wastewater flows. A separate storm sewer system is to handle the much greater volume of flow from storm runoff and clear subsurface drainage. 

What if my sewer backs up?

If you suspect the sewer is backing up from the public sewer (i.e. sewage coming from floor drain or low fixture even when there is no water use in the building) you should immediately call the City for assistance - 725-0599 weekdays (9 to 5) or 723-9128 for the after hours answering service. We will have a maintenance crew check and clean as appropriate the street or public sewer. If the public sewer is found to be clear and flowing properly and the back-up persists, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear the building sewer line. Plumbers and drain cleaning services are listed in the Yellow Pages under Plumbers or Sewer and Drain Cleaning.

During wet weather conditions, typically severe enough to cause the river to rise to flood stage, low-lying portions of the City sewer system are subject to surcharge. Basements or facilities below this flood stage will be subject to backflow from the sewer system until the flows recede below surcharge level. We typically do not allow new basement service by a gravity sewer connection in floodplain areas. Where such service was historically allowed and needs to be continued, all low level floor drains and fixtures need to be protected from backwater by a backwater or check valve. Current plumbing codes require backwater valves on all new basement floor drains and below grade fixture drain lines regardless of their proximity to surface flooding.

There are tree roots plugging my sewer lateral. Will the City remove the tree by the curb?

The problem is not the tree. The problem is cracks or defective joints in the building sewer allowing the tree roots to penetrate the sewer seeking a water source. The City will only remove diseased, dying or nuisance species street trees. Unfortunately, there is no inexpensive fix to this all to common problem with older sewer laterals. Tree roots will grow back after sewer cleaning. Over the counter root treatment chemicals are generally ineffective. Replacing (or relining) the sewer with new pipe with sealed joints is the best long-term solution. Homeowner’s facing recurring plugging from tree roots, especially when cleaning is required annually or more frequently, should plan for building sewer replacement.

Is the City liable for damages if the public sewer backs up into my basement?

State law limits municipal liability for “sewage disposal system events” (i.e. sewer backups) and establishes a process for affected property owners wishing to pursue a claim for damages resulting from such events. If you experience a sewer overflow or backup that you believe was due to a defect in the City sewer system, please contact the City immediately (725-0599 or after hours at 723-9128). To file a claim please call 725-0550 for the form and information. Failure to file a Written Notice of Claim within 45 days of the event may result in rejection of the claim.

The City is not insured against such claims. If you elect to file a claim, the follow-up will be directly from the City not an insurance adjuster.

The City strongly recommends private insurance coverage for sewer and drain back-up incidents, particularly for basements in areas subject to flooding and those with significant loss or damage potential (i.e. finished basements). Please check with your homeowner’s insurance agent for availability of this coverage. Such coverage is typically available as a rider and is not part of a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. This is different coverage than “flood insurance”.