The City of West Fargo has implemented a new enrollment program that allows residents to register a property to discharge sump pumps indoors into the sanitary sewer system during winter months. This program will add a $5 monthly fee to the property’s utility bill to cover the cost of treating the water. 

Under this new program, residents are able to discharge their sump pump into the sanitary sewer from Oct. 15 through April 15. New properties built after November 2020 will also automatically enroll in the program. Only properties registered with this program are able to discharge their sump pumps into the sanitary sewer system. The enrollment form is available at https://lf.westfargond.gov/Forms/Sump-Pump. 

Under the previous program, residents had to pay a $50 fee each year to discharge the water. They were also only able to use the indoor system from Nov. 1 to April 1. The new program will automatically renew each year, unless a residents provides a certification to opt-out of the program. It also extends the period sump pumps can discharge indoors.

Residents who are enrolled in the program and wish to opt out of utilizing the City’s sanitary sewer system may do sign by completing a certification form. They may discharge their sump pump into their yard, as long as ice does not form on any street or public sidewalk. Sump pump hoses cannot cross or obstruct any public sidewalks or rights of way. New homeowners who do not have a sump pump connection to the sewer and would like to opt-out of the program must complete a certification form. The form is available at https://www.westfargond.gov/FormCenter/Public-Works-11/Sump-Pump-Fee-Waiver-Certification-Form-240.