Residents and business owners are reminded that blowing grass into the street is prohibited.
Though a seemingly harmless act, grass clippings eventually make their way into the sewer system. Over time this material can build up and lead to the sewer plugging, causing sewer backups into nearby homes. The City has a sewer cleaning crew running daily, but with over 230 miles of sewer to maintain, the City is only able to rotate through the sewer system once every 7 years.
The City asks that residents and business owners please direct their mower away from the street, blow their clippings back into the yard, or rake the debris out of the street. Those found in violation of city code may be subject to a civil citation.
It is a collective effort by both property owners and the City to keep our sewers running properly.
Residents and business owners are reminded that blowing grass into the street is prohibited. Though a seemingly harmless act, grass clippings eventually make their way into the sewer system. Over time this material can build up and lead to the sewer plugging, causing sewer backups into nearby homes.
There are areas within the Ottumwa City Limits where multiple households are served by a private, common sewer line that may extend some distance before connecting with a public sewer. Private sewers are the responsibility of the property owners and are not maintained by the City of Ottumwa. It is not uncommon for property owners to be unaware that they are connected to a private sewer line.
