What do you mean by a sanitary sewer collection system?

Sanitary sewer collection systems are the collection of sewer main lines, pumps and pump stations, manholes, sewer laterals, and other infrastructure designed to handle and safely transport used water, body wastes and toilet paper as sewerage to the Water Pollution Control Station (WPCS) for treatment. The WPCS is located on Akron-Peninsula Road.

What is a sewer lateral?

A sewer lateral is the pipe that carries wastewater from a home or business to the sanitary sewer main line in the street or easement

What is the sewer main line?

Sewer main lines are a variety of different size and types of pipe that carry wastewater from the sewer laterals to the Water Pollution Control Station located on Akron-Peninsula Road.

What is the difference between the storm drainage system and the wastewater system?

The storm drainage system consists of the natural and manmade channels and underground pipes that transport rainwater from the streets, yards and other areas. This water goes directly into our creeks, rivers, and canal. Water entering the drainage system does not get treated. The wastewater collection system flows directly to the Water Pollution Control Station for treatment.

What is a combined sewer system?

For a combined sewer system, both wastewater and stormwater are carried in the same pipe.

Read more about Combined Sewer Overflow

What does the "public" side and the "private" side of my sewer lateral mean?

In the City of Akron, all owners are responsible to keep laterals free of obstructions all the way from the structure to the sewer main line. However, homeowners are only responsible for sewer lateral structural repairs from the home to the Right-of-Way or Easement Line which is considered private. The City of Akron is responsible for the lateral from the Right-of-Way or Easement Line to the sewer main line which is considers public. For commercial and industrial properties, the sewer lateral is considered private all the way from the structure to the sewer main line.

Why can’t I pipe my sump pump, house drains, and footer drains into my sanitary sewer lateral?