Don’t Put Run-Off Water in the Sewer: Protecting Simonton Lake in Elkhart, IN

Simonton Lake is the pride of Elkhart County—an invaluable natural resource for boating, fishing, and family recreation. But like many lakeside communities, its health depends on responsible care from everyone who lives nearby. One important but often overlooked issue is the improper diversion of run-off water into the sewer system. While it may seem convenient to direct water from downspouts, driveways, or yards into storm drains or sanitary sewers, this practice can have serious consequences for both the lake and the surrounding community.

Why Run-Off Matters
Run-off is any water from rain, snowmelt, or irrigation that flows across lawns, roofs, and paved surfaces. As it travels, it picks up pollutants such as fertilizers, lawn chemicals, oil from driveways, pet waste, and sediment. When this contaminated water is directed into sewers, it bypasses natural filtration and often flows directly into Simonton Lake or connected waterways.
This creates multiple issues:

• Nutrient Loading: Fertilizers and lawn chemicals carried in run-off increase nitrogen and phosphorus in the lake, fueling algae blooms.
• Pollution: Oil, pesticides, and other toxins degrade water quality and harm fish and wildlife.
• Sedimentation: Soil washed from yards and construction sites accumulates in the lake, making it shallower and murkier over time.

The Strain on Sewer Systems
Directing run-off into sanitary sewers also burdens infrastructure not designed for that volume of water. Excessive inflow can:

• Overload sewer lines during storms, causing backups into homes and businesses.
• Reduce the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants.
• Increase community costs for maintenance and emergency clean-ups.

By keeping stormwater out of sewers, residents can prevent costly repairs while protecting the lake’s ecosystem.

Better Alternatives for Managing Run-Off
Instead of using sewers as a shortcut, there are several environmentally friendly ways to manage run-off around Simonton Lake properties:

• Rain Gardens: Shallow, landscaped areas planted with native flowers and grasses absorb run-off and filter pollutants.
• Permeable Surfaces: Replacing asphalt or concrete driveways with permeable pavers allows water to soak into the ground.
• Rain Barrels: Collecting roof water in barrels reduces run-off while providing a free source of water for gardens.
• Proper Grading: Ensuring yards slope away from homes directs water toward natural drainage rather than sewer inlets.

Community Responsibility
​The Simonton Lake Area Homeowners Association and local conservation groups emphasize that protecting the lake is a shared responsibility. Every homeowner’s choices affect the overall health of the water. By preventing run-off from entering the sewer, residents directly reduce pollution and preserve the lake for fishing, boating, swimming, and future generations.

Conclusion
Redirecting run-off water into sewers may seem harmless, but it harms both infrastructure and the environment. For the residents of Simonton Lake, keeping stormwater out of sewers is a critical step in maintaining the lake’s clarity, safety, and beauty. Simple practices like rain gardens, barrels, and permeable surfaces can make a big difference. Together, the community can ensure Simonton Lake remains a jewel of Elkhart County for years to come.