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1. How can citizens help keep our local waterways clean and safe?

You can assist Water Pollution Control with simple clean-up and preventive maintenance techniques:

• Keep debris, snow, ice and leaves off the top of catch basins, or sewer grates, in the street. Items like trash and leaves left on top of catch basins contribute to overland and street flooding during wet weather events. If you notice a catch basin that is clogged or full, call 260-925-1714 to report it.
• After a heavy snowfall, assist the Auburn Fire Department by uncovering fire hydrants that may become buried in snow.
• Do not dump motor oil, antifreeze, gasoline, trash, paint, etc. down catch basins. Many catch basins across Auburn lead directly into Cedar Creek.
• Remember it is illegal to connect household down spouts and sump pump drains to a city sanitary/combination sewer. If you have information regarding someone dumping substances into a city sewer, call 260-925-1714.

2. How can residents and businesses support the city’s storm water control efforts?

Residents can support the city in the following way:

• Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
• Use the least toxic pesticides, follow label instructions, and learn how to prevent pest problems.
• Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways and sidewalks.
• Disconnect downspouts.
• Compost yard waste.
• Use rain barrels to water plants during dry periods.
• Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
• Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
• Take your car to the car wash or wash it on the grass instead of washing it in the driveway.
• Pick up after your pet.

3. What is the sprinkler credit?

The credit recognizes that small individually-metered residential customers (including only single-family or duplexes) typically have a single service with a single meter for measuring water use. The City of Auburn gives a sprinkler credit since the water used for lawn sprinkling does not get discharged to the sewage system. The summer (June, July and August) sewer bill is computed based on water consumption readings from the nonsprinkling season (average of the previous January, February and March). This adjustment is applicable to all single-family dwelling residential units on individual meters whether they are conventional site-built housing or manufactured housing.

4. What do I do if I need a sewer or water inspection?

Your first step it to contact Auburn’s Building, Planning & Development Department and apply for a permit. Then, once approved and your contractor is ready to tap for water, you call the Auburn Water Department. (Generally, contractors will manage this process.)