BEDFORD — City officials are urging residents to take simple but important steps to prevent illicit discharges into the local sewer and stormwater systems, emphasizing that everyday household practices can have a significant impact on water quality and environmental health.
According to guidance from the City of Bedford Utilities, improper disposal of wastewater, chemicals, and other materials can lead to sewer backups, pollution of local streams, and increased strain on infrastructure.
One of the primary concerns is sanitary wastewater. Officials note it is illegal for sump pumps and downspouts to discharge into the sanitary sewer system. Instead, they should drain into the ground. Residents are also encouraged to install backwater prevention valves to help prevent sewage from backing up into homes during periods when sewer mains are full. Maintaining a secure sewer cleanout cap can also prevent debris from entering pipes and causing blockages.
The city clarified maintenance responsibilities as well. While municipal crews maintain sewer mains, property owners are responsible for sewer laterals and clearing blockages along the lines that serve their property. Officials also recommend homeowners review their insurance policies, as many do not cover damage caused by sewer backups.
In addition to wastewater concerns, the city highlighted car washing practices. Residents are encouraged to use licensed car wash facilities or to wash vehicles on lawns rather than in driveways, so that soap and grime filter into the ground rather than flow into storm drains and nearby waterways.
Proper disposal of household and automotive chemicals is another key focus. The city partners with the Lawrence County Solid Waste District, where residents can safely dispose of hazardous materials. The facility, located on Mitchell Road in Bedford, offers services such as household hazardous waste collection, paint exchanges, and used cooking oil recycling.
Pet waste is also a contributor to water pollution if not handled correctly. Officials advise residents to bag pet waste and dispose of it in the trash rather than composting it, as it may contain harmful bacteria and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
The city also encourages environmentally friendly landscaping practices. Using a mulching lawnmower can reduce fertilizer use by about 25 percent, while composting grass clippings and yard waste can further minimize runoff. Bedford’s sanitation department provides compost toters and curbside pickup at no additional charge.
When it comes to pest control, officials recommend using the least toxic, most biodegradable products available and carefully following label instructions. Pesticides should not be applied in windy conditions or near water sources, and excess chemicals should never be poured onto the ground or into storm drains.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact the city’s stormwater department hotline at 812-275-1641, email madams@bedford.in.us, or visit the city’s website for more information.
City officials say small changes in daily habits can collectively make a big difference in protecting Bedford’s water systems and the environment.
