BLOCKAGES/SPILLS

Private homes and businesses are occasionally flooded with sewage caused by blocked sewer lines.  The causes of these backups vary, and could be attributed to activities by the homeowner, business operations or unforeseen root intrusions or catastrophic failure with the sewer main.  For example, improper disposal of oils, grease or trash by a homeowner or business into the sewer line could cause the clogging of the main line pipe, resulting in sewage overflowing from a manhole or backing up into a private lateral and a home or business. 

In the event of an SSO impacting a private residence or commercial building, property owners should first follow the steps outlined in the Blockages “What To Do?” section to ascertain whether the back-up/blockage is located within the private lateral.  If there is evidence that the public sewer main is likely the cause, please CONTACT US immediately.

District Forces will respond to the scene, contact the impacted property owner or resident, and provide and explain the attached  “Owner/Resident Information and Right-of-Entry”.  The purpose of the Owner/Resident Information and Right-of-Entry is to get authorization for District staff to enter onto the property and into the residence if necessary to remedy the situation. District staff will photograph and document any observed sewer system failures and attempt to identify the source of the failure.  A qualified Flood Remediation Company may be contacted by either District staff or the Owner/Resident to provide cleaning and restoration services if necessary.

If Owner/Resident feels that the District is responsible for causing or allowing the sanitary sewer overflow, and wants to seek reimbursement for costs and damages, a claim may be filed with the County. 

Follow the link for more information about filling a  Claim Form CD-1.