What is a sewer overflow?

A sewer overflow is a discharge of raw sewage mixed with waste water that overflows from a sewer into local streams and rivers. Overflows occur when there is too much wastewater for the sewer system, pump station, or treatment plants to handle, such as after heavy rainstorms. To relieve pressure in the system and minimize backups into homes and businesses, excess sewage is discharged into local waterways. State and federal regulations require the Summit County Department of Sanitary Sewer Services (DSSS) and sewer agencies across the country to reduce overflows and meet Clean Water Act requirements.