Wastewater
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Originally built in the 1920s, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU’s) tertiary Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been continuously upgraded and is permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to treat 12 million gallons of wastewater per day. The wastewater comes to the Quaint Road facility in the Town of Poland from the City of Jamestown and the Village of Falconer. The Jamestown WWTP treats an average of 2 billion gallons of wastewater per year from these municipalities.
Outside Sewer Maintenance
An outside wastewater maintenance group maintains the underground piping system that carries wastewater to the WWTP. These crews focus on regular maintenance of more than 140 miles of sanitary sewer flowing smoothly to the Quaint Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. They respond to calls and determine if the problem is indeed the utility's lines or that of the owner.
In addition, sewer lines are regularly videoed internally to maintain the following:
- Removing tree roots that have grown into the pipes themselves
- Replacing crumbling, cracked or collapsed pipe
- Smoke and downspout testing
- Relining Pipes
Water Supply Cost
The water supply costs in Jamestown are relatively low compared to other communities who must process their water significantly before being able to use it. The cost of cleaning every drop of water that you use before returning it to the natural environment is significantly more. Your sewer charges are based upon the measurement of every drop of water that goes through your water meter.
The BPU cost of supplying water includes the following:
- Adding a small amount of chlorine for disinfection and fluoride for tooth decay prevention
- Digging the wells
- Distribution of the water (mains and meters)
- Pumping the water
Watch Your Water Usage
It makes sense then that you should carefully watch your water usage, to lessen your sewer charges as well. Every drop of water that you waste, you must also pay sewer charges for. If you have a leaking faucet, a silent "running" toilet, or the outside hose is left running you will pay not only water charges for that waste, but you will also pay sewer charges for water that wasn't even dirtied.
- Where does the responsibility of the homeowner lie in regard to the sewer lateral?
- Is it illegal to connect any downspouts, groundwater sump pumps or overflows to the sanitary sewer?
- We have had backups at our home previously. What can we do to prevent this situation from happening again?
- Why is my sewer bill higher than my water bill?
- Will I be billed for sewer when I fill my swimming pool or can the fee be waived?
- Am I allowed to install my own sewer line?
- Can I, as a homeowner, do plumbing in my own home?
- Does the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) have records of the location of my sewer?
- What type of sewer lateral do I have at my home?