With the adoption of Resolution No. 20-48 on November 2, 2020, the wastewater rate system was amended to incorporate a sump pump variance fee effective January 1, 2021.  As such, in October 2021 there will be an annual fee for a sump pump variance to allow the discharge of sump pump water to the sanitary sewer.

The fee for obtaining a seasonal sump pump variance will be $125 annually, which includes a $25 application fee.  The seasonal sump pump variance period will normally be from October 15th to March 15th each year. The ending date of the variance period may be modified if the Wastewater Superintendent deems it appropriate and/or necessary.

Please be aware, you may be required to valve your sump pump discharge out of the sanitary sewer prior to March 15th.

To obtain a sump pump variance over the phone, call 605-882-6244.  To request the variance online, complete the form found at http://www.watertownsd.us/variance.  If the Wastewater Division does not have a current inspection of your property on file, Wastewater Staff will schedule an appointment to inspect your sump pump system before a variance will be granted.  Once an inspection has been conducted and the sump pump variance has been granted you will be charged the $125 fee.

You must apply for a sump pump variance each year that you wish to discharge a sump pump to the sanitary sewer.

Discharging clear water (sump pump discharge) into the sanitary sewer is prohibited unless a seasonal variance has been granted (Ordinance 17.0402 (1) (o)).  Sump pumps may not discharge to the sanitary sewer when the seasonal variance period is not in effect (normally between March 15th and October 15th).

Please call the City of Watertown Wastewater Division at 882-6244 if you have any questions regarding the sump pump variance.   The City of Watertown Wastewater Division thanks you in advance for your cooperation and participation with the sump pump variance process.