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1. What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)?

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow, commonly referred to as an "SSO."  An SSO is an overflow of untreated or partially treated sewage from a sanitary sewer system.  

2. Why do SSOs occur?

SSOs occur occasionally in almost every sewer system.  Causes of SSOs include, but are not limited to:

• Inappropriate materials placed into sewer, such as fats, oils and grease (FOG) and some household products such as baby and facial wipes, sanitary pads and tampons.  All of these can create blockages.
• Tree roots and/or excessive stormwater or groundwater entering sewer lines through defects or cracks
• Inappropriate connections such as sump pumps, roof gutters and downspouts, foundation drains and area drains
• Power loss
• Equipment failures and breaks
• intentional acts of vandalism
• Heavy rainfall and natural disasters

3. What should I do if I encounter an SSO?

You should avoid contact with any water or other contents released from the sanitary sewer system as a result of an SSO and immediately report it to Spotsylvania County Utilities.

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday:  Please dial (540) 507-7300, Press Option 2.

After business hours, weekends and holidays:  Please dial (540) 507-7340 or (540) 507-7350.

4. What does Spotsylvania County Utilities do to reduce the potential of SSOs?

Spotsylvania County Utilities has invested significantly and continues to invest in sewer improvements to reduce the likelihood of SSOs by:

• Cleaning and maintaining the sewer system.
• Reducing infiltration and inflow of stormwater and groundwater into the sanitary sewer through rehabilitating and repairing broken or leaking lines.
• Enlarging or upgrading sewer lines and pump stations.
• Eliminating buildup of fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the sewer system.
• Educating the public on how FOG, wipes and other household products can clog sewer lines.

5. Is it possible to totally prevent SSOs?

Unfortunately, overflows cannot be prevented entirely.  The EPA writes that "a few SSOs may be unavoidable.  Unavoidable SSOs include those occurring from unpreventable vandalism, some types of blockages, extreme rainstorms, and acts of nature such as earthquakes or floods."

6. Does Spotsylvania County Utilities report SSOs to regulating and enforcing agencies?

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) requires that all SSOs greater than 1,000 gallons be reported to the Department within 24 hours of discovering the SSO has occurred.  Regardless of the size of the SSO, VDEQ also requires that any SSO that reaches a body of water and/or that results in a fish kill be reported.  In addition, VDEQ requires that the area of a reportable SSO be marked with signs for at least seven days that the area has experienced an SSO.  Finally, VDEQ maintains a Pollution Response Program (PREP) database, which is accessible to the public.  This database shows all open SSO cases throughout the state, as well as a five-year period of record for closed SSO cases.  

7. What can I do to help prevent SSOs?

You can help prevent SSOs.  Here are a few tips:

• Keep drains and sewers clear of fats, oil and grease (FOG), which coagulates in sewer pipes and can cause blockages.  FOG should never be poured down sink drains or into toilets or garbage disposals.  Instead, pour FOG into a covered disposable container and put it in the trash.  For more information, please visit Fats, Oils & Grease (LINK). 
• Though baby and facial wipes may claim to be "flushable," they often do not break down as they travel through household pipes and the sanitary sewer system and can lead to clogs and SSOs.
• Some older homes, businesses and developments have improper connections to the sewer system, which include, but are not limited to roof downspouts, sump pumps, area drains and similar features.  Check around your house to ensure storm water is not draining to the sanitary sewer system.  If you are concerned that you may have an improper connection, contact Spotsylvania County Utilities immediately at (540) 507-7300, Press Option 2.
• Make sure your sewer cleanout cap is securely fastened.  Cleanouts are access points for the sanitary sewer line that serves your home.