Rapid Snow Melt Continues, WLSSD Reminds Residents to Reduce Flows

DULUTH, MN—Rapid snow melt continues to cause high flows in Western Lake Superior Sanitary District’s (WLSSD) sanitary sewer collection system in Duluth.

Peak flow to the wastewater treatment plant exceeded 120 million gallons per day on Tuesday, April 11^th and continues to flow at nearly three times the standard rate of 38 million gallons per day.

With wet weather forecasted for the weekend, WLSSD reminds residents that the spring thaw often brings water related incidents.  Residents may experience flooding due to swelling creeks and rivers, sump pump failures or sewer backups.  Plan ahead by doing a quick sweep in your basement. Store items in water safe tubs or off the floor on shelving or in cabinets. Unplug electronic items and safely store hazardous materials.

Residents can also assist in reducing the amount of water flowing into the sanitary sewer in a variety of ways.  Sending less water down the drain from your home or business decreases the number of gallons that are sent through our pipes and pumps.  Also ensure that all sump pumps and drains are sending water into the yard and away from homes and buildings.

For more information about the high flow events please visit wlssd.com for real time updates.

The WLSSD staff are working round the clock to support the collection system any potential threats to public health and our environment.  Please report any overflow from a manhole and avoid contact with any sewer overflow due to the potential for exposure to disease-causing organisms.  Storm sewers and sanitary sewers may also lift and move manhole covers creating a dangerous fall hazards when the overflow ceases.  Contact the WLSSD at 722-3336 24-hours per day to report overflowing manholes or any open manhole.

Headquartered in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District provides award-winning wastewater and solid waste services to residents, businesses and industries within its 530 square mile legislative boundaries in Southern St. Louis and northern Carlton counties, and is a nationally recognized leader in pollution prevention.

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