Sump pump discharge rules by city
Almost every city bans sump pump water from the sanitary sewer, because clean water overloads treatment plants and backs sewage into basements. Where you can send it instead varies: some cities ban street and curb outlets, some allow them in summer only, and some require a storm sewer connection.
17 cities and utilities in 8 states, each checked against official sources in November 2026.
| City | Rule | Key detail | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perry, IA | No discharge onto city streets or alleys (Code 135.16). | Perry, Iowa bans sump pump discharge onto streets and alleys from November 1 to April 15 | Street discharge limited by season |
| Mount Prospect, IL | No more than 5 feet from the foundation, at least 5 feet from the lot line. | Mount Prospect requires sump pump discharge to end no more than 5 feet from the foundation and at least 5 feet | Allowed with conditions |
| South Elgin, IL | Connection to storm sewer, ditch or storm drainage. | South Elgin requires groundwater sump pumps to connect to a storm sewer, ditch or storm drainage system, never | Allowed with a permit |
| Sugar Grove, IL | No discharge onto the right-of-way, November 1 to May 1. | Sugar Grove bans sump pump discharge onto the village right-of-way from November 1 to May 1, when water can fr | Street discharge limited by season |
| Urbana, IL | Sanitary sewer (Code 24-39); hazardous flow onto streets, sidewalks or alleys (Code 20-309 | Urbana bans sump pump discharge to the sanitary sewer and onto streets or sidewalks where it creates a hazard | Allowed with conditions |
| Buffalo, MN | Sanitary sewer. | Buffalo prohibits sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer and treats pump discharge like a downspout: it s | Allowed with conditions |
| Duluth, MN | A point-of-sale inspection and a $115 certificate. | Duluth requires sump pumps and foundation drains to be disconnected from the sanitary sewer, and checks them i | Allowed with conditions |
| Otsego, MN | Rigid pipe outside the home. | Otsego asks for rigid pipe outdoors and recommends discharging at least 6 feet from the home onto the lawn | Allowed with conditions |
| West Fargo, ND | Discharge outside the home. | West Fargo requires sump pumps to discharge outside, but not onto sidewalks or streets | Street discharge limited by season |
| Franklin Township, NJ | May stay if they cause no icing, standing water, algae or erosion in the right of way. | In Franklin Township, New Jersey, sump pump discharges in place on October 1, 2018 may continue only if they d | Allowed with conditions |
| Centerville, OH | Outlets through the curb, and any connection to the sanitary sewer. | Centerville, Ohio bans sump pump discharge through the curb and into the sanitary sewer | No street or curb discharge |
| Mitchell, SD | Stormwater, groundwater, footing drain water or sump water in the sanitary sewer. | Mitchell, South Dakota makes it unlawful to pump sump water or other clear water into the sanitary sewer, unde | Allowed with conditions |
| Sioux Falls, SD | Discharge to streets, hoses across sidewalks, drilling through the curb, and the sanitary | Sioux Falls prohibits sump pump discharge to city streets, hoses across sidewalks, and holes drilled through t | No street or curb discharge |
| Sturgis, SD | Ground surface outside, storm drain, sump pump collection system, or a natural outlet. | Sturgis prohibits sump pump discharge to the sanitary sewer | Allowed with conditions |
| Fox Crossing, WI | Required by closed pipe if one is adjacent to the property. | Fox Crossing requires clear water from sump pumps to connect by closed pipe to an adjacent storm sewer | Allowed with conditions |
| Kenosha, WI | New curb discharges; water that ponds or ices on the sidewalk, parkway or road; flow onto | Kenosha does not allow new sump pump discharges through the curb, and discharge may not pool or freeze on the | No street or curb discharge |
| Waukesha, WI | Sanitary sewer, floor drains and basement sinks (Municipal Code 29.06). | Waukesha prohibits sump pump discharge to the sanitary sewer, including floor drains and basement sinks | Allowed with conditions |
Step by step
- Make sure the pump does not drain into a floor drain, laundry tub or sanitary line.
- Route the discharge to your yard, far enough from the foundation and the sidewalk that it soaks in.
- Do not run hoses across the sidewalk or drill the curb unless the city allows it in writing.
- Ask the city about a storm sewer connection permit if your yard cannot absorb the water.
What it costs
Rerouting a discharge line or adding a buried outlet is often a few hundred dollars. A storm sewer connection or a new sump system costs more and usually needs a permit.
Don't see your city? Tell us and we will add it. See all homeowner rules.
Get quotes from a waterproofing or drainage contractor
Tell us about the property. We pass your request to independent local pros who handle this work, or to a buyer who purchases homes as-is. Free, no obligation.