SEWER OVERFLOW PREVENTION

ONEIDA COUNTY SEWER DISTRICT

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO

HELP PREVENT SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOWS?

These small projects may not seem like much, but they can have a big impact on the amount of clean water entering – and possibly overwhelming – the sewer system.

Reroute to Help Keep the Mohawk River Clean

Reroute.

By disconnecting your roof leader or downspout, you can prevent water from entering our sewer system.

Reclaim to Help Keep the Mohawk River Clean

Reclaim.

Rain gardens are a great way to absorb excess rain water, while adding curbside appeal to your home.

Recharge to Help Keep the Mohawk River Clean

Recharge.

Capture the water that used to drain into the sewer system from your roof leader by using a rain barrel.

Reroute: Disconnect Your Roof Leader

For a roof that is 1,000 square feet in size, it is possible for more than 600 gallons of storm runoff to be produced for every 1 inch of rain. By disconnecting your roof leader or downspout, you can prevent that water from entering our sewer system and causing sewage backups and overflows.

For detailed guidance and advice on how to disconnect your leader, visit the home and garden section of your local home improvement store.

Watch the video below to learn how you can reclaim and recharge excess water once you’ve disconnected your leader.

Illinois’ Oak Park Plumbing Inspector Jim Dee to learn how to disconnect your roof leader in this video.

Local Stores

Jay-K Lumber
8448 Seneca Turnpike
New Hartford, NY 13413

Lowe’s Home Improvement
710 Horatio Street
Utica, NY 13502

Lowe’s Home Improvement
4699 Middle Settlement Road
New Hartford, NY 13413

The Home Depot
545 French Road
New Hartford, NY 13413

Want to see you business listed? Contact us!

Reclaim: Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are a great way to absorb excess rain water, while adding curbside appeal to your home. For detailed guidance and advice on how to make your own, visit the home and garden section of your local home improvement store, or contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County.

Tips for Your Rain Garden

  • Smaller gardens are easier to manage. Think about placing several smaller gardens throughout your lawn.
  • Begin planting from the inside, this prevents stepping or kneeling on the outside greenery.
  • Consult a professional! Plant selection, garden size, and the location of your garden can vary greatly depending on the layout of your yard.
  • See other rain gardens from throughout New York State.

DOWNLOAD: How to Install a Rain Garden

Local Greenhouses

Candella’s Greenhouses & Farm
9256 River Road
Marcy, NY 13403
(315) 736-8782

River Road Farm and Greenhouses
9182 River Road
Marcy, NY 13403
(315) 736-3252

The Mum Farm
9011 Redhill Road
New Hartford, NY 13415
(315) 737-5145

Want to see you business listed? Contact us!

Get More Info on How to Plant a Rain Garden

If everyone does their part, together we can keep the Mohawk River clean!

Recharge: Rain Barrel

Save money and keep water out of the sewer system!

Capture the water that used to drain into the sewer system from your roof leader by using a rain barrel. Here are just some of the things you can do with the water from a rain barrel:

  • Water gardens, lawns, and hanging plants
  • Easily fill watering cans
  • Wash cars or pets
  • Connect a soaker hose to automatically empty the barrel

You can make your own rain barrel by following these simple instructions from DIY Network.