Illegal Stormwater Connections to the Sewage System
Overview of Ebensburg's Sewer Regulations
The Borough of Ebensburg is enforcing regulations to prevent stormwater from entering the public sanitary sewer system. The existing system was designed only for sewage and cannot handle the extra volume of rainwater, which causes overloading.
Why is this happening now?
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires local governments to adopt corrective action plans to reduce the overloading of sanitary sewers. This involves removing rain or stormwater from sewer lines.
What is the problem?
Sanitary sewers are designed for a constant flow of household sewage. The sudden rush of rainwater from roofs and driveways can cause the system to "surcharge" (overflow). This leads to:
- Manhole lids being lifted.
- Sewage overflowing into streets and yards.
- Activation of overflow pipes that discharge sewage directly into streams.
- Sewage backing up into basement floor drains and fixtures.
What regulations are violated?
Connecting stormwater to sanitary sewers is prohibited by:
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
- Borough of Ebensburg Ordinance #558.
- Borough of Ebensburg Ordinance #511.
Who does this apply to?
All customers on the Ebensburg sewer system.
Compliance Requirements
Property owners must disconnect all extraneous sources of stormwater from the public sanitary sewer. This includes:
- Cracked or broken service pipes.
- Foundation drains and sump pump discharges.
- Driveway or area drains.
- Downspouts.
- Leaking joints and entrance drains.
- Wall or floor seepage.
How are illegal connections detected?
The Borough conducts tests at every property, which may include:
- Dye Test: A non-staining dye tablet is placed in a drain or downspout and flushed with water. The area is checked for dyed water traces.
- Smoke Test: Non-toxic smoke is forced through the sewer system using air blowers. Leaks are identified by smoke escaping the system.
- Air Test: The sewer system is sealed and pressurized with air. If the pressure drops, a leak exists that allows water entry.
What to do if you are notified
If you receive a notice of an improper connection:
- Consult a professional: Hire a plumber or general contractor with underground utility experience to determine the best corrective action.
- Do not ignore it: The problem will not resolve itself, and penalties for non-compliance are severe.
- Deadline: You have 90 days to correct the violation.
What should I do with my stormwater?
Stormwater must be retained on your property.
- Downspouts should discharge onto a splash pad to allow water to disperse across the ground.
- Stormwater pipes are not permitted to discharge through curbs.
- You are not allowed to intentionally discharge stormwater onto a neighbor’s property.
Repairs and Costs
Do I have to dig up my floors?
In most cases, no. The testing requirement does not apply to under-slab plumbing. Repairs under the slab are only required if a viewport or other condition indicates water is infiltrating the plumbing beneath the slab.
Who pays for repairs?
The property owner is solely responsible for the costs of any required repair work to achieve compliance.
How much will it cost?
Costs are case-specific:
- Removing downspouts is often relatively inexpensive.
- Replacing an entire service lateral can be expensive, especially if it is under a wall or driveway.
- Contact a plumber or excavating contractor for a price quote.
Contact Information
For more information about compliance with sewer system regulations, contact: Borough of Ebensburg (814) 472-8780