The city owns and operates 117 wastewater pump stations throughout the city's service area.  These stations collect and pump wastewater through the collection system to the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (SCRWTP) for ultimate treatment and disposal.

There are three types of wastewater pump stations; building, can and submersible.

Building stations are usually larger type stations that pump directly to the SCRWTP.  These stations may house 2, 3 or 4 high horsepower pumps.

Can stations are smaller and pump to the building stations.  The pumps for these stations are located 10 to 40 feet under ground.  As you can see by the picture, the above ground portion of the station resembles a "can".

Submersible stations house their pumps inside a wet well.  These stations are typically small in size and are less noticeable.  Submersible stations also pump to the building stations.

All pump stations are checked by a surveillance crew on a rotating basis.  Continual preventive maintenance ensures proper operation and early detection of any problems.  Because of this program the city has virtually no odor complaint problems. 

The city makes every effort to keep all of its pumping stations as inconspicuous as possible.  Lawn maintenance crews regularly cut the grass, trim bushes and clean the area in and around the stations.

In case a power failure, all pump stations have the ability to be run from an auxiliary power generator.  Many of the building stations have their own on-site generators.

Any station that does not have it's own generator can be powered by one of the city's 10 portables.  These portable generators are trailer mounted and can be moved to were they are needed.

In addition to the wastewater pump stations, the city maintains 7 storm water pump stations.  These stations are used to remove standing water from streets and roadways.  They prevent the flooding of low lying residential areas.

All pump stations are monitored 24 hours a day by a water treatment plant operator using the Data Flow Systems HyperTACII telemetry system.  This radio based systems provides moment to moment monitoring and control of pumps, water level, alarms and power status. This system is the eyes and ears for the waste water personal during non-duty hours.