Eliminating sanitary sewer overflows and ensuring the proper condition of our sewer system isn’t solely the job of District municipalities. Private property owners in the Oneida County Sewer District (OCSD) also have an essential role to play.

Since its inception, the OCSD has worked to educate residents on how simple steps at home can help prevent sanitary sewer overflows into the Mohawk River, and help ensure cost-efficient operation of the District’s water pollution control treatment facility.

Normally, our sanitary sewer system has enough capacity to operate properly, but heavy rains or snowmelts can cause stormwater to overwhelm the system and result in overflows into the Mohawk River. National studies have shown that as much as 50 percent of the excess stormwater in sanitary sewer systems comes from private property.

Education materials developed under the Operation Ripple Effect™ program show how you can take direct steps to assist with Sewer Overflow Prevention, such as by disconnecting sump pumps and rerouting downspouts, as well as ensuring the proper disposal of Fats, Oils, and Grease to prevent damage to the sewer system.