Sewer Main Overflow and Street Flooding¶

Municipal sanitary sewer overflows occur when storm runoff, pipe blockages, or utility main breaks cause raw sewage to spill onto streets, pathways, and residential properties. Untreated wastewater carries harmful pathogens, bacteria, parasites, and industrial contaminants.

Immediate Exposure Avoidance¶

Avoid All Contact With Overflow Water: Keep children and pets away from flooded streets, puddles, and surface runoff near overflowing manholes.
Do Not Walk or Drive Through Sewage Water:
As little as 15 cm (6 in) of moving floodwater can knock a pedestrian over or stall motor vehicles.
Sewage runoff hides open manhole covers, submerged debris, and electrical hazards.
Decontaminate Immediately Upon Contact: If skin or clothing touches wastewater, wash thoroughly with clean soap and warm water immediately. Disinfect contaminated footwear and gear before entering living quarters.

Protecting Indoor Plumbing and Basements¶

Refrain From Using Plumbing Fixtures: During severe sewer main overflows, reduce water usage indoors. Running washing machines, dishwashers, or showers accelerates sewage backup into low-lying home drains.
Inspect Basement Floor Drains: Ensure backflow prevention valves (check valves) on sewer drain lines are operational.
Do Not Touch Sewage Backups Without Protection: If wastewater backs up into drains, wear rubber boots, heavy nitrile gloves, eye protection, and an N95 respirator mask before attempting emergency cleanup.

Reporting and Community Remediation¶

Contact your municipal public works department or local wastewater authority immediately to report manhole overflows or sewage street pooling.
Inform local environmental health agencies if sewage flows toward public waterways, storm drains, or drinking water reservoirs.
Have professional biohazard restoration services clean flooded indoor spaces to prevent long-term toxic mold and bacterial contamination.