Menu

News Release

Winter Header

Metro Area Residents Reminded to Properly Connect Sump Pumps for Spring and Summer Months

Improper sump pump connections between March 31 and October 1 can overload the sanitary sewer system

03/31/2026

The City of Fargo’s Regional Water Reclamation Facility urges metro area residents to check that sump pump lines are properly connected for spring and summer.

Between March 31 and October 1, residential sump pumps must drain into the storm sewer system, not the sanitary sewer. This can be done by:

• Direct connection to a storm sewer line
• Discharging onto the ground at least 20 feet away from the home
• Using a buried line that leads to the curb

Before redirecting sump pump discharge outdoors, residents should make sure the discharge line is not frozen or blocked.

Continuing to connect a sump line to the sanitary sewer between March 31 and October 1 can quickly overload the system. This may lead to sewer backups and potential property damage.

Residents with questions about sump pump connections should contact the Compliance Group with the Water Reclamation Utility at 701.461.7867.