Sewers, Septic Systems and Waste Water
The City of Holyoke partners with Veolia Holyoke to provide complete water cycle solutions. Veolia Inc. provides sustainable solutions for essential environmental services including wastewater collection system repair and maintenance. In many places throughout the city, the sewer system still carries both sewage and stormwater. Many improvements are being made to separate these two different waste flows, but when it rains, the addition of stormwater to sewage flow in the system continues to overwhelm the capacities of wastewater treatment facilities. This causes polluting overflows into receiving water bodies such as the Connecticut River. See the Stormwater Tab for more information.
The City of Holyoke's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) provides a timetable and schedule for making further improvements to the City’s combined sewer and reduce overflows to the Connecticut River. A copy of the Holyoke CSO LTCP can be requested through the Engineering Department. The Holyoke LTCP Executive Summary can be accessed at the following. (Link)
Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems, usually for individual homes. They are typically used in rural or lot settings where central wastewater treatment is not efficient. Septic System maintenance is the Homeowner's sole responsibility.
Sewer Commissioners Policy (Link)
Notification Requirements to Promote Public Awareness of Sewage Pollution
Combined Sewer Overflow UPDATE - March 24, 2024
Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Law – Effective July 7, 2022
A Combined Sewer Overflow or CSO is defined as any discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater to a surface water of the Commonwealth from an outfall that is connected to a combined sewer system.
CSO Final Notification Plan Holyoke MA
Click link below to view the CSO map which provides near real-time information (5-minute intervals) on CSO activation status, where they occur, how often and how long they occur.
CSO and Inflow and infiltration (I&I) Reports
MASSDEP SEWAGE NOTIFICATION PUBLIC PORTAL
To access the MassDEP’s public portal for reports on all Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in Massachusetts, please click here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/sanitary-sewer-overflowbypassbackup-notification.
Sewer Bills Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Whom should I contact if I have a question on my sewer bill?
A: If you think your sewer bill may be incorrect, the first step you should take is to call the Department of Public Works office at 413-322-5645.
Q: I’m selling/buying a house in Holyoke, what should I do for my sewer bill?
A: The current owner’s attorney needs to call the Holyoke Water Works at 413-536-0442 a few days in advance of the closing to set up a “final water reading”. After the final reading is received, your attorney should call the Department of Public Works at 413-322-5645 with the proper water gallon usage. With this information, the DPW can process your final sewer bill to be paid at the closing. In addition, your attorney should have the buyer / new owner’s name available.
Sewers & Drains Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The catch basin or storm drain near my home is clogged (or caving in). What should I do?
A: Call Veolia at 413-534-2222 and let them know where the catch basin is located. It will be scheduled to be cleaned (or repaired) as quickly as possible.
Q: My sewer line is backing up into my house/cellar, who do I call?
A: Call Veolia at 413-534-2222. A crew will be dispatched as soon as possible. The owner of the home must be home to allow the crews into work and to sign a service agreement. There is a fee for this service. The fee is $20.00 per hour during business hours (7:00 am to 3:00 pm) and $20.00 for each additional hour. Nights, weekends and holidays the fee is $75 up to four hours.
Septic Systems Information
Septic Systems Press Release (Link)
Maintaining Your Septic System (Link)
Massachusetts Guide to Caring for your Septic System (Link)