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Sump Pump Operation

Residents are asked to cooperate with the City by ensuring that sump pumps are not discharged to the City’s sanitary sewer system. During the spring of the year, the City can receive heavy localized rains. This may result in homes and businesses experiencing increased usage of sump pumps. If home or business owners have their sump discharge lines attached to floor drains or otherwise connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system, property owners can experience sanitary sewer backups.

Be a good neighbor by making sure your sump discharge lines are directed to the storm water system (street gutters), into a sump pump collection system, or onto the lawn.

It is a violation of City ordinances to discharge a sump line into the sanitary sewer system. The City has undertaken an active sump pump discharge inspection program. Potential fines can result from violations of the ordinance and are determined by the court system.

Citizens who have questions regarding the City’s sump pump inspection program may contact the Engineering Division of Public Works at (605) 367- 8601.

Sump Pump Collection System Retrofit

To remove nuisance sump pump discharge in existing neighborhoods, the City may install a collection system. The collector pipes are directional bored between the curb and sidewalk to minimize yard disturbance. The homeowners creating the nuisance discharge will be required to connect their hose to the system. City Engineering determines the neighborhoods for improvement based on the amount of nuisance and petitioning signatures.

Download a Petition for Public Improvement