Sewer Division

Overview

The City of Saratoga Springs’ Public Works Department manages, operates, and maintains a sanitary sewer collection system for the City with the goal of collecting the City’s wastewater in the most efficient, economical, and safest manner possible. The City believes that protecting public health and the environment is critical to a thriving community.

The Sanitary Sewer System

Our system consists of 10 sewage lift stations (No. 11 is under construction), nearly 200 miles of gravity collection pipe, over 5,500 manholes, and 7 miles of force main pipe. The City sewage is conveyed by our collection system to that operated by the Timpanogos Special Service District (TSSD), which collects wastewater from 10 cities in north Utah County that is ultimately treated at the TSSD wastewater treatment plant.

Sewer System Cleaning and Inspections

Sanitary sewer system cleaning and inspections are routinely performed by the PWD and is accomplished through various means and methods. Cleaning the system lift stations, piping, and manholes is completed in an ongoing and as needed basis. The City uses many methods to inspect and clean the sewer, including visual observations, acoustic analyses, closed circuit TV (CCTV) inspections, and hydraulic (water jet) cleaning. Our proactive activities are used to assess system conditions to identify problems early, so that we can continue to provide for proper sewer system operation.

Safe Sewer System Operations

The Public Works Department (PWD) works diligently to prevent sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), as well as minimize the impacts of any SSO that may occur. The City has prepared a Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP) that guides us in properly managing, operating, and maintaining all parts of the sewage collection system.  

The City maintains a state-of-the-art supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor operations at our lift stations 24/7. The City believes that one of the keys to preventing sanitary sewer overflows is to evaluate system capacity, monitor flows throughout the system, and perform routine engineering and improvement efforts to ensure that capacities are not exceeded so that the sewer system continues performing properly.

Even in the best operated systems, sanitary sewage may escape the confines of the sanitary sewer system; and if that occurs, the City is prepared to take immediate action to minimize environmental, public health, and financial damage from resulting.

Safety and Working around Sewage

Raw sewage typically contains viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause illness. Wastewater, including sewage, that remains in textiles and dry wall can grow mold creating other health risks. If an SSO is observed within the City, we ask that the Public Works Department be contacted immediately through use of our Emergency Phone number. If you notice excessive odors or other concerning conditions related to the sanitary sewer system, please contact us.

If a backup is identified within a private home or business, you may contact the PWD to assist you with assessing the situation. Back-ups that occur in private buildings are generally caused by blockages or other issues within the building’s piping; however, the PWD will inspect the sewer piping in your street to verify. People experiencing an SSO must decide for themselves how to address the situation in the safest manner possible. Some general safety tips to consider if an SSO occurs are as follows.

1. Keep children, pets, and others away from the sewage.

2. Shut off the power before entering the wet environment.

3. Avoid exposing cuts and other wounds to sewage.

4. Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and other apparel.

5. Thoroughly wash your hands and other body parts exposed to sewage and change clothing following exposure.

6. Consider using the professional plumbing and/or cleaning services experienced with sewage management.

7. Consult a medical professional with any related health concerns