Report on Watertown City’s Initiative to Protect Sanitary Sewer Systems

Introduction

The City of Watertown, South Dakota, has issued a public reminder emphasizing the critical importance of preventing clear water, particularly sump pump discharge, from entering the sanitary sewer system. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Issue Overview

Excessive clear water entering the sanitary sewer system, primarily from sump pump discharges, poses significant risks to the city’s sewer capacity. This can lead to:

1. Increased risk of sewer backups.
2. Potential damage to residential basements and neighboring properties.
3. Environmental harm due to improper wastewater management.

City Guidelines and Legal Framework

To mitigate these risks, the City of Watertown has established the following guidelines:

• Sump pump water must be directed to residents’ yards or other appropriate locations, not into the sanitary sewer system.
• Discharging unpolluted water or sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer without authorization is prohibited.

Non-compliance may result in legal consequences under local regulations:

• Violations are classified as a Class 2 Misdemeanor.
• Penalties include up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $500.
• Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This initiative supports multiple SDGs by:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Protecting water quality and ensuring sustainable management of water resources.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhancing urban infrastructure resilience and reducing environmental hazards.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting responsible management of water discharge and waste.

Community Engagement and Contact Information

The City of Watertown encourages public cooperation to maintain a functional and reliable sanitary sewer system. Residents with questions or concerns are urged to contact the Wastewater Facility directly at:

• Phone: (605) 882-6244

Conclusion

Watertown’s proactive approach to managing sump pump discharge and protecting the sanitary sewer system exemplifies a commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship. Continued public awareness and compliance are essential to achieving the city’s goals in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on maintaining the integrity of the sanitary sewer system by preventing the discharge of clear water into it, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article highlights the importance of protecting urban infrastructure (sanitary sewer systems) to prevent backups and environmental damage, contributing to making cities safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • The enforcement of legal consequences for non-compliance with sewer discharge regulations reflects the promotion of rule of law and effective, accountable institutions at the local level.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable water withdrawals and supply.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
   • Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated – implied by the focus on preventing clear water from entering the sanitary sewer system to avoid overloading and backups.
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality – implied by the goal to prevent environmental damage from sewer backups.
2. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities – implied through the emphasis on proper management of water discharge to protect urban infrastructure.
   • Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate – indirectly related through sustainable urban planning and infrastructure management.
3. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
   • Indicator 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population – indirectly referenced by mentioning legal penalties and enforcement mechanisms.
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms – implied through enforcement and compliance monitoring.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mykxlg.com