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WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW
Homeowner's Role
Homeowners play a key role helping to solve the sewage overflow
issue. It is the homeowner's responsibility to fix any improper
connections to the sanitary sewer line such as downspouts, driveway
drains and groundwater sump pumps. Homeowners must also maintain
and/or repair their house lateral.
In some communities, the homeowners is responsible for the portion
of the lateral extending from the home to the property line (right
of way) and the municipality is responsible for the remaining portion
that runs from the property line to the main sewer connection in
the street. In other communities, homeowners are responsible for
the entire length of the lateral from the home to the main sewer
line connection in the street.
House laterals often can become deteriorated or clogged with tree
roots. It's important for homeowners to have their lateral checked
for leaks that can allow groundwater to seep into the system or
for clogged areas that can slow the flow of wastewater from your
home, or cause a back-up of sewage into your basement.
If an improper connection is detected, the homeowner must disconnect
the problem area and drain the stormwater onto the ground, into
a drainage ditch or into the storm sewer line. It is recommended
that you contact a licensed plumber to correct the problem.
Additional Ways the Homeowner can Help
Protecting our waterways is the responsibility of all individuals.
In addition to disconnecting improper connections to the sewer system,
it is also important to remember that:
- Fixing the sewer overflow problem potentially could cost
billions of dollars and it will require your support. You can expect
to pay higher sewage rates over the coming years as municipalities
work to comply with an EPA administrative consent order to begin
fixing the problem. The good news is that Allegheny County currently
has one of the lowest sewage rates across the United States.
- Conserving water is one way to lower your overall utility
bill as well as to help reduce the flow
being transported to the sewer treatment facility. Some ways to
conserve water in your home include:
- Install low-flow toilets, which use less water for flushing
or place a brick or sand-filled plastic bottle in your toilet tank
to decrease the water used per flush
- Take shorter showers and/or install a low-flow showerhead.
- Turn water off when shaving, brushing your teeth and washing
your hands. Only turn it back on when needed.
- When using a dishwasher, run only full loads and use shorter
cycles when possible. If hand washing, rinse sparingly or fill a
second sink basin for rinsing.
- Wash full loads of laundry whenever possible or use a lower
water volume setting for small loads.
- Remember that chemicals you use in your lawn and garden
affect our rivers and streams as well. When it rains, pesticides
and other chemicals will be washed into the stormwater system and
deposited directly into our rivers. If necessary, use only toxic-free
home and garden products.
- Wash your car at a commercial self-car wash that recycles
wash water. If you do wash your car at home, wash it on the lawn
to keep soapy water from flowing into the storm drain. Don't leave
the hose running continuously.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning when less water
is lost to evaporation, and limit it to one hour a week (Healthy
grass only needs about 1 inch of water a week.). Keep the grass
cut at about 2.5-3 inches so it doesn't dry out as quickly.
- Redirect your downspouts so that the rain soaks into your
yard or garden, rather than running down the driveway or into the
street.
- Consider installing a rain barrel to help capture and store
rainwater that can be used on your lawn and garden.
- Plant trees and other vegetation to help reduce stormwater
run-off by allowing rainwater to soak into the ground.
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