Combined Sewer Overflow 

A Combined Sewer System collects both sanitary sewage and storm water runoff in the same sewer pipe. Combined Sewer Systems have existed within the City of Findlay since the late 1800s.

Portions of the city’s sewer system continue to be combined systems.

• During dry weather conditions, these combined systems transport sanitary sewage directly to the Water Pollution Control Center (WPCC) where it is treated and cleaned before being discharged into the Blanchard River.
• During wet weather conditions, these combined systems transport sanitary sewage and storm water to the WPCC where it is treated and cleaned before being discharged into the Blanchard River.
• During heavy rains or excessive snow melt, the waste water volume in a Combined Sewer System can exceed the capacity of the sewer system or the WPCC. When this occurs, Combined Sewer Systems are designed to overflow and discharge excess waste water directly to the Blanchard River or its tributaries. These overflows are called Combined Sewer Overflows or CSOs.

Combined Sewer Systems are designed to overflow in order to relieve pressure from the sewer system, thus helping to prevent sewer back-ups in basements. The City has long term plans to eliminate all Combined Sewer Systems by separating all sanitary and storm water systems.

For more information about Combined Sewer Overflows, please read our CSO Information document.

Current Sewer Separation Projects

No current projects.