MITCHELL, S.D. — City officials are reminding residents to check their sump pumps to ensure they are operating properly and to follow local rules on where water can be discharged.
The notice from the city’s Public Works Division comes as seasonal groundwater levels fluctuate and sump pump use increases in residential areas.
According to city ordinance 8-9-5, it is unlawful for property owners or occupants to discharge stormwater, groundwater, footing drain water, or other unpolluted water into the public sanitary sewer system. The ordinance also prohibits pumping water from sump systems into sanitary sewer lines.
City officials recommend sump pump discharge be directed to the curb when possible and advise against draining water into yards or sanitary systems.
“If possible, do not drain water in your backyard so you or your neighbor does not have to recycle the ground water,” the city noted in its guidance.
Officials also warn against routing sump pump discharge into floor drains or sanitary sewer connections, saying it can contribute to sewer backups affecting homes and neighboring properties.
“Do not drain sump pumps into floor drains or into the sanitary sewer system,” the notice states. “This may cause the sanitary sewer system to back up on you or your neighbors.”
Jon Vermeulen, utilities superintendent with the city’s Public Works Division, issued the reminder.
City officials say routine maintenance and proper discharge practices help protect the sewer system and reduce the risk of localized flooding or backups.