What is Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)?
Some communities collect both rainwater runoff and sanitary wastewater in the same sewer. these are called "Combined Sewers". Sometimes when it rains, sewers do not have enough capacity to carry all the rainwater and wastewater and the treatment plant is not large enough to treat the total combined flow. In these situations, the combined wastewater overflows into the nearest body of water - streams or rivers, creating a combined sewer overflow.
Why are there CSO's?
Much of the DELCORA sewer system, particularly in the city of Chester, was built in the early 1930's Back then sewage was disposed simply by allowing it to be directly discharged into streams and rivers. These sewer lines also carried storm water runoff to rivers and streams. Concern for water quality and public health led to the construction of the DELCORA system in the 1970's . The old river/stream discharge systems were left in place to act as relief valves to prevent sewage from backing up into peoples homes during storms.
How are CSO's controlled?
The Clean Water Act requires the U.S.EPA and the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection to issue permits to control the impact of discharges resulting from CSO's. Under it's permit, DELCORA is responsible for implementing a series of CSO controls and developing and implementing a Long Term CSO Control Plan. The DELCORA plan identifies CSO's and develops a strategy to achieve the water quality standards necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
DELCORA'S Long Term Control Plan
- Identifies all CSO Locations.
- Prohibits all dry weather discharges.
- Requires proper operation and maintenance of all regulators.
- Maximizes flow treated at the plant.
- Schedules replacement of all regulators over a 20 year period.
- Outlines a detailed monitoring and upkeep schedule of all regulations.
- Develops implementation for a sewer cleaning program targeting segments with the greatest CSO impact.
- Requires a Public Education program.
Benefits of the CSO Long Term Control Plan
- A cleaner and healthier environment to live and work in.
- A planned program of level expenditures, helping to keep sewer rates stable.
- Citizen response, participation, and input.
- A better citizen understanding of why the program is needed.
- Regular, monitored cleaning and repair of our sewer system.
- Improved stewardship of our water resources.
How you can help
- Disconnect your downspouts from your sewer lateral.
- Don't litter!! Keep trash out of sewer inlets.
- Keep grease, fats, and oils out of your drains.
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning agents and cleansers.
- Properly dispose of hazardous wastes.
- Conserve your water usage.
- Learn more about CSO's.
- Remember - Clean water is everybody's business.
Want to learn more?
DELCORA welcomes and encourages your input. Additionally, tours of the treatment plant can be arranged for civic, school, or church groups.
If you would like to review a complete copy of the DELCORA CSO Long Term Control Plan, please call, email, or mail us at the address provided below and provide your name, address, and telephone. We will gladly schedule a time during daily business hours when you can visit our Administrative offices and review the plan.
DELCORA
Administration/CSO info
100 East Fifth Street
PO Box 999
Chester, PA 19016
Customer Service: 610-876-5526
Sewer Emergencies: 610-497-6760
Administration: 610-876-5523