Wastewater Treatment
Sewer
Princeton currently operates a Class III, 4.186 MGD oxidation ditch facility with influent and effluent metering, a rotomat fine screen, a grit removal chamber, two oxidations ditches, two secondary clarifiers, a tertiary clarifier, ultraviolet light disinfection and cascading post aeration. The effluent discharges into Richland Creek. Biosolids are processed by anaerobic digestion, dewatered, and then land applied.
Important Information for Princeton Sewer Customers
Prevent Sewage Backups
Every customer needs to be aware of certain conditions within a home or business which may expose sewer lines to a sewer backup. These conditions can be addressed by the customer.
A backup may occur if customers dispose grease down the sink. The grease then gathers in the sewer main lines, eventually causing a stoppage. This results in sewage backing up the main line. The City cannot anticipate where a grease clog will occur. Once the problem has been identified, personnel are dispatched to clean the line. Introduction of grease into the sanitary sewer system is prohibited by the City Ordinance and a substantial fine may be levied.
If a drain or plumbing fixture within a home or business is lower than the nearest upstream manhole of the sewer, the structure is at risk for a backup. Basement drains or commodes, drains in rooms in walkout basements or the lower level of a tri-level home would be examples of at risk conditions. However, these are not the only risk types of structures. If a building has such a drain or fixture and a clog occurs, the sewage will travel up the pipes into the structure before it can reach the top of the upstream manhole and discharge. This may happen because the drain or fixture is lower than the manhole.
There are devices that can be placed on or in the line to give protection against a backup. A licensed professional can advise on such devises and their proper installation and maintenance. It is the responsibility of the property owner to decide the necessity of the sewage backup protection and the need for additional homeowner insurance coverage. Generally, the City is not responsible for damaged caused when sewage backs up in a home or business.
If you have and questions or need emergency assistance, please call (812) 385-3343 or after hours (812) 385-3496
