Sanitary Sewer System

Sanitary Sewer System

The City's sanitary sewer system includes over 1,000 miles of pipe and 21 lift stations. This system carries wastewater from homes and businesses to the Water Reclamation Facility for treatment.

Cleaning

Sanitary sewer lines are cleaned regularly using high-pressure water. This flushes out buildup inside the pipes and helps prevent clogs and backups.

• Over 1,500,000 feet (299 miles) of sanitary sewer line is cleaned for preventive maintenance every year.

Inspection

Sanitary sewer lines are also inspected using a wheeled camera. The camera travels through the pipe and records video, allowing crews to check for cracks, blockages, or other defects.

• Over 370,000 feet (70 miles) of sanitary sewer line is inspected every year.

How You Can Help

Residents can help protect the sanitary sewer system by following some simple guidelines:

• Only flush human waste and toilet paper — items like wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and paint or chemicals can clog pipes and cause backups, even if labeled "flushable."
• Never dispose of fats, oils, and grease down the drain. They can build up inside pipes and lead to costly blockages over time.
• Sump pumps and other groundwater sources should also never be connected to the sanitary sewer; that water belongs in a storm drain or other approved outlet. Sending it into the sanitary system can overload pipes and treatment capacity and can cause sewer backups into basements.

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