Sanitary Sewer Overflows

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are a release of untreated or partially treated sewage from a municipal sanitary sewer including STEP and Grinder system malfunction, pump station failure, and/ or blockage on a sewer manhole.

How to prevent SSOs:

• Avoid flushing Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) into your home or business drains
• Avoid flushing wipes, tampons, and any other synthetic material that can clog your system
• Keep up good cleaning and maintenance of your system

How to deal with SSOs:

• If you see or smell sewage coming from your STEP & Grinder tank, Please contact the number on your panel, 800-499-9070
• If you see or smell sewage coming from sewer manholes,  please contact the Gloucester Department of Public Works at 978-325-5600
• After business hours, please contact the Gloucester Police Department at 978-283-1212

The fastest way to get information on an SSO event in Gloucester is to sign up to receive public advisory notifications by subscribing to “Public Health” alerts here.