- Pump stations, such as the one in the Nyack marina, can overflow, dumping raw sewage into nearby streams and the Hudson River.
- Pumps and the treatment plant are the Town government’s largest electricity consumers, so illegal connections also increase energy bills, and thus taxes.
- Inflow can cause sewage backups into people’s basements.
- Town employees use smoke tests and remote TV cameras to monitor the sewer lines and identify illegal connections as well as cracks that let in rainwater. You can help by being on the lookout for illegal connections and using the low-cost methods described below to protect our community and environment.
To help reduce inflow, the Orangetown DEME has partnered with volunteers to produce a brochure to educate the community about the problem. Please Download brochure and share it with your friends and neighbors. The brochure contains tips, such as the following information:
How to Disconnect your Downspout-Sewer Connection
1) Cut downspout 9-10 inches from the ground using a hack saw
2) Detach piece from sewer pipe, remove the cut piece
3) Place larger end of elbow over the edge of the downspout, drill a hole in each side. Secure with sheet metal screws or pop rivets
4) Fit extension over elbow and drill a hole in each side. Secure with sheet metal screws or pop rivets
5) plug up or cap standpipe that connects to the sewer with a rubber cap, heavy rock, or other type of block
Optional: Place a splash block under the extension to prevent lawn erosion
How to Disconnect your Downspout-Sump Pump Connection
1) Turn off electricity
2) Remove old pipes
3) Seal off connection to sewer
4) Re-pipe sump pump and discharge line away from your home into a garden or grassy yard, or better yet, a rain garden on your property.