Sewer Department

607-797-3031

Office Hours: 6:00am – 2:30pm

If you have a DPW Emergency and it is after 2:30pm or during a weekend or holiday, please call the Johnson City Police Department at 729-9321. The Police will contact the on-call foreman.

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The Village owns equipment capable of visually inspecting and cleaning sewer laterals between the building and the main sewer line. If there is a sewer problem in the lateral between the road edge and the sewer main, the Village will clear the lateral. If the problem is located between the building and the road edge, the owner has the option to hire a plumber or allow the Village to clear the lateral for a cost of $80.00. If it is discovered that the sewer lateral is damaged or in need of repair, the responsibility is that of the homeowner.

The following are common situations that residents should be aware of, that may help prevent any potential sewer backups or odors within their basements:

Sewer Odor  - If a sewer odor becomes noticeable, check the basement floor drain. If it is dry, place water into the drain.

Backup Prevention – There are two things that you can do to aid in eliminating sewer backups. First, have a plug available to plug the floor drain and second, periodically check the cleanout cap on your sewer pipe to ensure it is secure and in good condition.

Properly Dispose of Cooking Oil & Grease – Cooking oil and grease are wastes that the Village’s sewer system cannot handle and should not be discarded down the drain. Dumping of grease, fats and oils can clog sewer lines, causing sewage back-ups and flooding. Sewage back-ups can damage personal and public property. Here’s how you can help. DO NOT dump cooking oil, poultry fat and grease into the kitchen sink or the toilet bowl. DO place cooled cooking oil, poultry and meat fats in a sealed non-recyclable container and discard with your regular garbage.

Roof Leaders – Pursuant to Section 222-82 of the Village Code, roof leaders are not allowed to be connected to the sanitary sewer. If you are unsure if your roof leaders are connected to the sanitary sewer, please contact the Sewer Department at 797-3031 to set up an appointment.

Storm Sewers

As part of the E.P.A.’s Cleanwater Act, a new federal law, known as “Stormwater Phase II”, has been implemented. Phase I covered large cities and construction sites greater than five (5) acres.  Phase II, which includes Johnson City, covers the majority of urbanized areas and construction activities disturbing one (1) or more acres. As part of the Village’s Phase II Permit six (6) minimum measures must be achieved. These areas include:

1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Involvement and Participation
3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
4. Construction Site Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
6. Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

Nine (9) things you can do to prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution:

• Never dump anything down storm drains/catchbasins.
• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks and roads.
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
• Compost your yardwaste or put it out to the curb for collection.
• Do not blow grass or leaves clippings into the street.
• Avoid pesticides; learn about Integrated Pest Management.
• Direct downspouts away from paved areas.
• Take your car to a carwash instead of washing it in your driveway.
• Check your car for leaks and recycle motor oil.
• Pick up after your pet.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

•  U.S.E.P.A. – http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6

•  N.Y.S.D.E.C. – http://www.dec.ny.gov/

•  Broome County – http://www.broometiogastormwater.com/