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City of Duluth monitoring sanitary sewer system stresses caused by runoff

[DULUTH, MN] The recent warm weather and rapid snow melt have been causing an influx of water in the City of Duluth’s collection systems. The sanitary sewer collection system in Duluth is experiencing high flows of clear water. While clear water is not meant to enter the system, it can inadvertently seep through the cracks, faulty connections, and improperly connected roof and foundation drains in the system. The City wants to remind residents to ensure that discharges from sump pumps and drains are always directed away from their home foundations to reduce the likelihood of sewer overflows and pollution of watersheds like the river and lake during spring thaws. 

Public Works and Utilities staff are working to monitor the situation, and to protect public health and our environment; City staff are doing everything possible to prevent overflows, but the snow volume and rapid melt are stressing the system and could cause releases.

Residents are asked to report any overflow from a manhole and to avoid contact with any sewer overflow due to the potential exposure to disease-causing organisms.  Call (218) 730-4000 with any reports of overflow.

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