Buffalo Residents
As of 2:00 PM today, we have officially had 1.46" of rain in the last 24 hours at the Buffalo Airport. This steady rain and the recent snow melt has led to additional amounts of water being treated at the City of Buffalo Water Treatment Facility. Some of this water can infiltrate the system through man-holes and pipe joints, but another way it can sneak into our system is through a direct connection in the basements of resident’s homes.
Improper installation of sump pumps, through cross connections can increase plant flows drastically during rain events. A cross connection is when a portion of the stormwater system is connected to the sanitary sewer system. Often, this is a hose leading from the sump to a laundry tub or a floor drain or a sump pump with a hose emptying into a drain.
It is against City Ordinance to discharge your sump pump into the sanitary sewer system. If you have your sump pump connected illegally inside of your home, we ask that you please disconnect the sump pump immediately and connect your pump correctly outside of your house. Sump pump discharge lines should extend six or more feet away from your foundation and discharge on a slope away from your foundation.
If you have any questions, regarding sump pump regulations (PDF),please contact the City of Buffalo Water Reclamation Plant at 763.682.1182.