Illegal Sewer Connection Inspections FAQs
The DEP has mandated the Authority to seek out and eliminate sources of Inflow & Infiltration (storm water) to the system, leading us to perform these inspections. When floor drains, sump pumps, & downspouts discharge to the public sewer system, they cause high flows to the wastewater treatment plants during and following heavy rain events, leading to overloads and increased operating costs at pump stations and the wastewater treatment plants.
When the Authority began these inspections in 2022, the Board realized there were a significant number of homes with floor drains, and filling them may be quite an expense for some homeowners. They determined that we would focus on sump pumps at that time. After requiring those sump pumps that were connected to the sewer system to be rerouted appropriately, our systems were continuing to have issues during and following heavy rain events, meaning that floor drains were, in fact, a contributor to the problem. In order to further comply with the DEP mandate, we had to circle back and require those floor drains to be permanently disabled.
If your backup occurs during the evening or over the weekend, please contact the SA the next regular working day as soon as possible.
The Authority’s Rules & Regulations state that floor drains are not to be connected to the sewer. Over the past years, I&I has caused strain on our overall system. The DEP will not authorize an upgrade to our system to increase capacity for I&I and has mandated, instead, that sources of I&I be eliminated to alleviate the situation.
If you take on storm water into your basement, it is your responsibility, as a homeowner, to find a solution. The advice of a certified plumber is recommended.
If you choose not to comply with the repair, you will receive surcharges in increments of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the current sewer quarterly rate that will be reflected on your bill. Failure to respond or comply after you have reached the 100% surcharge will result in a notice from our Solicitor, along with potential legal action that may add additional fees to your account.
The Authority has the right to reinspect any repair to confirm the connection is still legal according to our Rules & Regulations.
Home inspection requirements for the sale of a property may adhere to different standards than the Rules & Regulations specified by The Authority.
There are several local organizations that you may apply to for assistance with repairs. We can supply limited information upon request, but cannot guarantee the outcome of your application. There are specific financial requirements that need to be met to be afforded this aid.
1. We
are here to help and assist with any conflicts with time restrictions. Please
communicate any questions or requests for extensions with our office and we
will do our best to make things as easy as possible within a reasonable time
frame.
The Authority will not credit surcharges for failure to comply with the stated Rules & Regulations detailed in our initial letter. If you feel you have an extenuating circumstance that requires additional attention, you may be advised to attend a future board meeting for that consideration.
All floor drains connected to the sewer system illegally must be removed or filled in order to prevent potential I&I.
The Authority adheres to public planning for new developments and flow into our system, addressing any potential for capacity concerns. These added connections are properly managed, within their legal contributions to our sewer system.
• The floor drain must be completely filled with cement including the trap in the drain.
• Any clean out plugs connected to the floor drain should also be fully cemented shut.
• The cement will be examined by our inspector and tested if need be.
2025 Rate Increase
After much consideration and deliberation, the Northeastern York County Sewer Authority board has deemed it necessary to increase quarterly rates in order to compensate for overall increased costs and upcoming needs. Beginning with the 2nd quarter bill in 2025, the quarterly rate will increase to $145. This was a difficult decision to make, and we realize how the increase will affect our customers. We thank you for your understanding and will gladly answer any questions you may have.
Sewer Emergencies
For sewer emergencies after regular operating hours, please contact a licensed plumber.
More information can be found in the Sewer Service FAQs.
East Manchester Township Sewer Expansion
Area 2 Sewer Extension Update – January 2025
The design of the Area 2 Sewer Extension is complete, and all bidding specifications and contract drawings have been completed. All necessary permits have been obtained from DEP, PennDOT, York County Conservation District, and East Manchester Township. MetEd has also substantially completed the extension of 3-phase power to the project area for the new pump station. Easements for sewers outside of the street right-of-way must still be obtained. Once the project is bid and awarded, construction is anticipated to last one year.
This project will serve approximately 200 single-family homes in the north-eastern portion of East Manchester Township. Flows will be collected at a new pump station located near Conewago Creek and will then be pumped up Park Street and eventually flow to the Musser Run Pump Station which is scheduled for an upgrade in 2025. This upgrade will ensure the station can handle the additional flows from Area 2. The project will add approximately 16,100 linear feet of gravity sewer, over 80 manholes, just over 4,900 linear feet of 6-inch diameter force main, and nearly 4,000 linear feet of 2-inch low pressure sewer force main.
The Authority will continue to apply for grants to reduce the costs of this extension and the other infrastructure improvements it must address within its aging system. Once adequate funds are secured through grants and borrowing, a schedule for bidding the Area 2 project will be developed.
If there are any questions regarding this project, please contact our office at 717-266-1493 or attend our Authority Board meetings.
We Have Gone GREEN!
As part of our commitment to the environment, the administration building has been upgraded with solar panels and is now being powered by solar energy.
Online Credit Card Payments Now Available
Click the button below to pay your bill online, or visit the Pay Your Bill page for other payment options.
Meeting Times & Dates
Monthly meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month beginning at 7 PM in the meeting room at 200 North Main Street, Mt. Wolf, with the exception of the December meeting, which will be held on the 3rd Monday. The public is welcome. Wearing of masks during meetings is optional.
Municipalities Served
The population of East Manchester Township is 7,264, and was incorporated on January 8, 1887. Although the entire Township does not have access to public sewer, there are 2,182 customers connected, making it the largest area the Sewer Authority services. To find out more, please visit their website by clicking on the image above.
Manchester Borough
Manchester Borough has a population of 2,763 and is .783 square miles. The Borough was incorporated on August 26, 1869. The Sewer Authority services 1,254 units in the Borough. To find out more, please visit their website by clicking on the image above.
Mount Wolf Borough
Mt. Wolf Borough is the smallest municipality the Sewer Authority services, with 592 customers. It’s population is 1,393. To find out more, please visit their website by clicking on the image above.
Do Not Flush List
Do not flush the following items down your toilets or your sinks:
- Paper Towels
- Shop Towels
- Feminine Products
- Disposable Diapers
- Coffee Grounds
- Disposable Cloths (baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, etc.
(even if the package reads “flushable”)
- Rags
- Grease
- Chemicals
- Drugs of Any Kind
These items can create additional costs for repairs to your lateral as well as additional repairs to pumps at the pump stations and wastewater plant as well as have an adverse effect on the receiving waters, which run into the Chesapeake Bay.
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Sump Pumps and Downspouts
Click here to view pamphlet regarding sump pumps and downspouts.
Educational Video
Hey Kids! Watch this video to learn what happens to the water that leaves your house!