Sanitary Sewer System

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The Borough of Churchill sanitary sewage system services approximately 5,300 customers. The sanitary sewage system is comprised of 677 manholes and 125,522 feet (23.77 miles) of gravity sewer lines ranging from four (4) inches to ten (10) inches in diameter. The Borough is responsible for the operation and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.

The role the Borough plays in the cycle of wastewater is that of conveyance or wastewater collection. By maintaining and ensuring proper operation of the system, the Borough can ensure that wastewater is safely and efficiently transporting from each structure with the capacity for wastewater elimination is conveyed to the ALCOSAN, the operator of the Borough's wastewater treatment facility.

Borough property owners pay two sanitary sewer related fees:

ALCOSAN User Fee
Borough Sewer Surcharge Fee

Operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system is supported through appropriations of the Sanitary Sewer Fund. All fees collected are restricted to sanitary sewer operation and maintenance ONLY.

Both fees are billed through WPJWA (Wilkinsburg Penn Joint Water Authority).

Who do I call if I have a sewer backup/leak?

Call a local plumber first.

The Borough is responsible for the sanitary sewer main, often located along the closest road to the property. Residential and commercial property owners are responsible for the sewer lateral, which run from the property's internal sewage system to the sewer main.

A plumber can often locate and correct the issue or contact the Borough if they identify an issue that requires the Borough's assistance.

Dye Testing

As of June 8, 2004, the Borough of Churchill approved an ordinance that requires owners of property being sold or transferred must comply with the provisions of dye testing.

Dye testing identifies possible inflow of storm water into the sanitary sewer system.

The dye test must be performed by a Registered Plumber. All costs of the test shall be the responsibility of the property owner.

If the dye test reveals the existence of an illegal storm or surface water connection, no Certificate of Compliance will be issued until the illegal connections are removed and the storm or surface water is discharged in compliance with controlling Ordinances of the Borough of Churchill.

Visit our Permits & Applications page to download dye test forms.

Sanitary Sewer Resources