Why Run-Off Water Shouldn’t Enter the Sewer on Simonton Lake

Simonton Lake in Elkhart, Indiana, is one of northern Indiana’s most cherished natural assets—a place for boating, fishing, and lakeside living. But keeping the lake clean and healthy requires community responsibility, especially when it comes to managing run-off water. One often-overlooked issue is allowing stormwater, gutter discharge, or yard drainage to flow directly into the sanitary sewer system. While it might seem harmless, doing so can have serious environmental, financial, and infrastructure consequences for everyone around Simonton Lake.

Understanding the Difference: Stormwater vs. Sanitary Sewers
Simonton Lake’s stormwater system is designed to handle rain and snowmelt—directing that water into retention areas, ditches, or the lake itself through natural filtration. The sanitary sewer system, on the other hand, is meant only for wastewater from toilets, sinks, and showers that flows to a treatment plant.
When residents or businesses connect roof drains, sump pumps, or yard drains into the sanitary sewer, it overwhelms the system with clean water that doesn’t need treatment. The result is unnecessary strain on Elkhart’s wastewater treatment facilities and potential contamination of both groundwater and the lake.

Problems Caused by Run-Off in the Sewer System
1. Overloaded Sewer Systems
During heavy rain, excess run-off can flood the sanitary sewer system, causing backups into basements or even into the lake. These backups release untreated sewage—posing serious health hazards to residents and wildlife.

2. Increased Treatment Costs
Every extra gallon of water that enters the sewer system must be treated, even if it’s just rainwater. This drives up costs for local utilities and, ultimately, for residents. By keeping clean stormwater out of the sewer, the community saves on unnecessary treatment expenses.

3. Environmental Impact on Simonton Lake
When stormwater mixes with sewage due to an overloaded system, pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, and waste can enter the lake. This contributes to algae growth, fish kills, and reduced water quality—affecting recreation and property values.

4. Erosion and Infrastructure Damage
Run-off entering the wrong system can cause soil erosion and damage to both public and private infrastructure. Proper drainage helps prevent erosion along shorelines and keeps Simonton Lake’s ecosystem balanced.

Responsible Water Management Around Simonton Lake
To help protect the lake and comply with Elkhart County regulations:

• Never connect sump pumps, roof gutters, or yard drains to the sanitary sewer.
• Direct stormwater into rain gardens, gravel beds, or grassy areas where it can soak into the ground.
• Maintain your septic or sewer connections to ensure no cross-connections exist.
• Use permeable surfaces for driveways and patios to reduce run-off.
• Report illegal connections or drainage issues to local authorities or the Simonton Lake Homeowners Association (SLAHA).

A Shared Responsibility
Preserving Simonton Lake’s health isn’t just a job for one homeowner—it’s a community effort. By keeping stormwater out of the sanitary sewer, residents help prevent flooding, lower costs, and keep the lake clear and safe for swimming, boating, and fishing. Clean water begins with responsible drainage, and every small step adds up to big benefits for the entire Simonton Lake community.