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BPUB

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)

Find out what causes sewer overflows, how to report them, and how BPUB keeps our community safe.

What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) occurs when untreated wastewater escapes from the sewer system before reaching a treatment facility. SSOs can release raw sewage onto streets, yards, homes, businesses, and into waterways.

Sewer backups due to blockages can cause raw sewage to flow onto streets, into homes and businesses, causing thousands of dollars in property damage and harm to the environment.

Causes of SSOs

Blockages are the most common cause of SSOs and can result from:

Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

  • When poured down drains, FOG solidifies in pipes
  • Builds up over time, narrowing the pipe until flow is blocked
  • A major cause of neighborhood sewer backups

Non-Flushable Items

  • Wipes (even those labeled "flushable")
  • Paper towels, feminine products, diapers
  • Rags, plastic, and other debris

Tree Root Intrusion

  • Roots seek moisture and can grow into pipe joints
  • Roots trap debris and create blockages
  • Can also crack and damage pipes

Health and Safety Hazards

SSOs pose serious health and safety risks:

Disease Transmission

Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness

Water Contamination

SSOs can contaminate drinking water sources and local waterways

Property Damage

Sewage backups can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses

Environmental Harm

Untreated sewage can harm aquatic life and ecosystems

If You Encounter an SSO

  • Stay away from the affected area
  • Keep children and pets away from the sewage
  • Do not touch or walk through the sewage
  • Wash thoroughly if you come into contact with sewage
  • Report immediately to BPUB at (956) 983-6100

How to Report an SSO

If you observe sewage overflowing in your neighborhood, report it immediately:

BPUB's Response

When an SSO is reported, BPUB takes immediate action:

  1. Dispatch Response Team - Crews are dispatched to assess and address the overflow
  2. Stop the Overflow - Clear blockages, repair equipment, or take other measures to stop the flow
  3. Contain the Sewage - Prevent further spread of sewage to minimize impact
  4. Clean and Disinfect - Thoroughly clean affected areas and apply disinfectant
  5. Document and Report - Log the incident and report to regulatory agencies as required
  6. Investigate Cause - Determine the root cause to prevent future occurrences

Prevention Efforts

BPUB works continuously to prevent SSOs through:

Maintenance Programs

  • Regular cleaning and inspection of sewer lines
  • Video inspection to identify problems before they cause failures
  • Root removal programs
  • Pumping station maintenance and monitoring

Infrastructure Improvements

  • Replacing aging pipes
  • Upgrading pumping stations
  • Increasing system capacity in growing areas
  • Installing backup power at critical facilities

Public Education

  • FOG awareness campaigns
  • "What Not to Flush" education
  • Community outreach programs

You Can Help Prevent SSOs

Residents and businesses play a crucial role in preventing sewer overflows:

  • Don't pour FOG down the drain - Collect grease in containers and dispose in trash
  • Only flush toilet paper - Wipes, paper towels, and other items belong in the trash
  • Report problems early - Slow drains or gurgling sounds may indicate a developing blockage
  • Maintain your private lateral - The sewer line from your home to the main is your responsibility