Illegal Sump Pump & Roof Rain Connections

The City of Marlborough wastewater treatment plants are experiencing substantial wastewater flow increases during rain events. Increased flow to the plants results in wastewater capacity being consumed, thereby potentially preventing sewer needed connections, and increased operational expense to treat this clean water. A contributing factor in this high flow is known to be illegally connected sump pumps and roof drains. City Code § 510-6 "Use of Public Sewers" states: "No stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontaminated cooling water or unpolluted industrial process water shall be discharged or caused to be discharged to any sanitary sewer..."

Please note, if your building or residence has a sump pump or roof drain connected to the city sewer system, you are in violation of the City Code, and these connections must be removed from the sewer and re-directed to an appropriate location. Should you need guidance as to where the appropriate location may be, feel free to call the Marlborough Department of Public Works Engineering Division at (508) 624-6910 ext. 33200.

Be advised that the City is embarking on an inspection program to detect illegally connected sump pumps and roof drains. Inter-department discussions are currently taking place to design the inspection program. If illegal connections are identified, the property owner could be subject to a fine not less than $50 nor more than $5,000 per day.