The City of Watertown reminds homeowners and businesses that discharge clear water through a sump pump that a seasonal variance is required to temporarily route that water into the sanitary sewer. The temporary variance period runs from October 15 to March 15 each year and must be renewed annually. The fee is $125, which includes a $25 application fee. Residents can apply online at watertownsd.us/variance. Those without internet access may apply by calling the Wastewater Division at (605) 882-6244.
If the City does not have a current inspection record for your sump pump system, an inspection will be scheduled before approval. Once approved, the City’s Finance Office will send a bill for the $125 fee, which must be paid within 30 days. Using a sump pump to discharge clear water into the sanitary sewer without a valid variance is not allowed.
Stay Out of the Sanitary Sewer as Long as Possible
Although the variance period begins October 15, residents are encouraged to discharge outside as long as weather allows. During freezing conditions, laying your sump pump hose on a declining surface (such as a board or snow drift) can help it drain empty and avoid freezing, delaying the need to switch into the sanitary sewer.
Why It Matters
Sump pumps can place a heavy load on the City’s sewer system. A single 1/3 HP pump running 15 minutes every hour adds about 10,800 gallons of water per day. If 100 pumps run like this, that’s over 1 million gallons daily—a quarter of the wastewater facility’s capacity.
Treating clear sump pump water costs the same as treating wastewater. Too much clean water in the system can raise operating costs, potentially increase sewer rates, and in extreme cases, cause sewer backups that may flood basements.
Tips to Manage Water Around Your Home
- Install gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
- Extend downspouts far enough to move water well away from your home.
- Check grading so the ground slopes away from your house.
- Use surface drainage solutions to redirect water before it reaches your foundation.
Penalties for Noncompliance
Discharging clear water into the sanitary sewer without a variance or outside of the variance period is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines. Each day is considered a separate offense.