Be Careful Where You Dig: Pressurized Sewer System on Simonton Lake

Simonton Lake, located in Elkhart, Indiana, is home to many beautiful lakeside residences and vacation properties. To protect the health of the lake and its surrounding environment, the community relies on a pressurized sewer system rather than traditional septic tanks. While this system offers efficiency and improved water quality, it also comes with important safety considerations for homeowners—particularly when it comes to digging on their property.

Understanding the Pressurized Sewer System
Unlike gravity-fed sewer systems, which rely on slope and flow, a pressurized sewer system uses grinder pumps to move wastewater from individual properties into the main sewer line. These pumps build pressure in the pipes, ensuring consistent flow even in areas with flat terrain or limited natural drainage, such as around Simonton Lake.  This system reduces the risk of raw sewage contaminating the lake, helping maintain water clarity and protecting fish, wildlife, and recreational use. However, because it relies on pressurized piping buried underground, digging without caution can create serious hazards.

Risks of Digging Near Sewer Lines

1. Damage to Pipes
   Accidentally striking a pressurized pipe can cause immediate leaks, system malfunctions, or costly repairs. A damaged pipe could release sewage into the ground or lake, harming both property and the environment.
2. Property Hazards
   Pressurized lines contain wastewater under force. A break can spray contaminated water onto the surface, creating a health hazard. Repairs are also more complicated and expensive than fixing gravity-fed systems.
3. Service Disruptions
   Damaging a sewer line can disrupt service not only for your home but potentially for nearby properties connected to the same main line.
4. Legal and Financial Responsibility
   Homeowners may be held liable for damages if they dig without proper clearance and hit sewer infrastructure. Repair costs and environmental fines can be substantial.

Safe Practices Before You Dig

• Call 811 – Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” Service
  By law, you must call Indiana 811 at least two business days before any digging project. Utility companies will mark underground sewer, water, gas, and electric lines so you can avoid them.
• Know Your Grinder Pump Location
  If your property uses a grinder pump, familiarize yourself with its location and the path of connected sewer lines. Avoid planting trees, installing fences, or building structures near these areas.
• Hire Professionals
  For larger excavation projects—such as installing seawalls, landscaping, or building additions—it’s best to hire contractors who understand the unique infrastructure around Simonton Lake.

Protecting the Lake and Your Property
The pressurized sewer system around Simonton Lake is designed to safeguard the community’s greatest asset: the lake itself. By being cautious before digging and respecting the underground infrastructure, homeowners can help prevent contamination, avoid costly damage, and ensure that the system continues functioning smoothly.

​While the pressurized sewer system at Simonton Lake offers significant environmental benefits, it also means residents must take extra care before digging. Always call 811, know where your grinder pump and lines are located, and seek professional help for major projects. A little caution goes a long way in protecting both your property and the health of Simonton Lake.