What is a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)?

Some cities, such as Fort Wayne, collect both rainwater runoff and sanitary wastewater in the same set of sewer pipes. These are called "combined sewers." Sometimes when it rains, combined sewers do not have enough capacity to carry all the rainwater and wastewater or the Water Pollution Control Plant cannot accept all of the combined flow. In this situation, the combined wastewater overflows from the collection system into the nearest body of water -- in Fort Wayne's case, into one of the three rivers -- creating a combined sewer overflow (CSO).

Controlling CSOs is Very Important

CSO controls protect the community's public health and its environment.

For more information on Fort Wayne's Combined Sewer System Operational Plan or to arrange an informational presentation about combined sewer overflow issues and solutions, call Fort Wayne's Public Information Office at (260) 427-1120.

For more information about the effects of CSOs on river quality 24-hours-a-day, call the CSO Hotline at 427-2297.