Whether it came with your home or you have one installed, sump pumps can seem like a simple way to keep your basement from flooding. But do you know where your water goes once it's been pumped?
 
In Oneida County, we've spent years and millions of dollars rehabilitating our aging sewer system in order to prevent sanitary sewer overflows into the Mohawk River. We have made such significant improvements that we have been able to close the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) consent order that was originally instated in July 2007. But there is still much important work to be done.

Sump pumps typically drain in yards or sometimes in the yard next to a house foundation. If water from a sump pump drains next to the foundation of a home, it could leak back into your sump pump, overwhelm the system, and cause flooding in your basement.
 
For property owners and their neighbors, an excess of this water can also cause street flooding, sewage backups, or additional sewage disruptions. Your municipality will be able to inform you where the water can be safely redirected by a registered plumber in accordance with local law.