Water Pollution Control

Departments / Public Works

Water Pollution Control (WPC)

Overview

Chatham Township’s Water Pollution Control (WPC) utility is an Activated Sludge facility which treats 1 million gallons a day (MGD) of wastewater. We use microorganisms that are already in the wastewater, to speed up the decomposition of wastes. The microorganisms use the wastewater for food thus remove or alter the undesirable matter. We control and monitor the organisms with the aid of our on-site NJDEP certified Laboratory. We could not do this successfully without our Laboratory Supervisor and Field Operators, who perform both regular preventative maintenance duties and sometimes unforeseen emergency repairs on the system, which controls the process performance. Additionally, we are responsible for over 2.6 miles of sewer force main (FM), over 30 miles of gravity sanitary sewer (SS), and 4 wastewater pumping stations. At the end of our treatment process, we pump the treated water (called final effluent) through a large force main directly to the Passaic River. Our final effluent is actually a much cleaner quality than the river itself and helps aid receiving facilities in treating the water additionally to meet the highest standards of water quality for homeowner use.

Inspections:

Easements
From time to time, our Field Operators will conduct various inspections in the sanitary sewer system (Collection System). Some of which include sewer easements located on a homeowner’s property. This is to monitor and maintain the performance of the system and establishing a good preventative maintenance program. Operators will check for manhole accessibility, (meaning not buried and can be easily accessed), the flow inside the manhole which must be 2fps (feet per second) or greater, and any defects inside or outside of the manhole construction. Prior to all inspections on property, our staff will make the best effort in notifying the homeowner of their presence and work to be conducted. Any questions please contact the WPC Chief Operator.
Sewer Cap Inspections
Sump Pump Inspections

Homeowner Responsibilities

The homeowner is responsible for their sewer lateral from their home up to and including the tie in connection which connects the lateral to the Township’s sewer main.

Do

Put liquid fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a container with a lid and dispose of properly into the trash.
Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel and throw it away in the trash, prior to washing.
Remember that items such as diapers, personal wipes, and other hygiene items or products do not belong in the sewer system. Even though they may say they are “flushable”, doesn’t mean they do break down.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the amount of detergent you use for washing in the kitchen or laundry.

Do Not

Flushing or pouring items that don’t belong in the sewer system can cause a backup in your home and in your neighbors.

Flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste.
Put fats, oils, or grease down the drain.
Connect clean water drains such as sump pumps or roof drains to the sewer system.

When to call an emergency

You visibly see sewage in your basement not due to a clogged toilet.

You visibly see sewage coming out of your lateral cleanout cap in the yard or a manhole in the street.