Pretreatment
Oil & Grease Program
Environmental Services
Waste Haulers
Metered Sewer Use
Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention
Wellhead Protection
Industrial Discharge Permit
Pretreatment
Pretreatment
What is Pretreatment?
The pretreatment program is the sewer system watch dog. The purpose of the program is to protect the collection system and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) workers, the treatment plant operations, and the Mississinewa River.
This is accomplished by making sure that no materials enter sewer system that will block the sewer system, generate harmful gases in the sewer system, limit the activity of the WWTP bacteria, cause WWTP equipment failure, pass through the WWTP to the river in toxic amounts, or restrict land application or our sludge.
This is accomplished by making sure that no materials enter sewer system that will block the sewer system, generate harmful gases in the sewer system, limit the activity of the WWTP bacteria, cause WWTP equipment failure, pass through the WWTP to the river in toxic amounts, or restrict land application or our sludge.
What Can I Do to Help?
Individuals can help by scraping food waste and grease into the trash can or a compost bin, disposing of household hazardous waste and unused medications at recycling facilities, and tossing all wipes, rags, paper towels, and other trash in the trash can.
Industrial, commercial and other facilities can help by changing operations or activities to reduce the amount of waste sent to the WWTP, replacing harmful chemicals with less harmful options, and installing facility treatment systems to reduce the concentration of chemicals being discharged.
Industrial, commercial and other facilities can help by changing operations or activities to reduce the amount of waste sent to the WWTP, replacing harmful chemicals with less harmful options, and installing facility treatment systems to reduce the concentration of chemicals being discharged.
How Does the Pretreatment Program Regulate Discharges?
Marion Utilities has a Sewer Use Ordinance, which outlines discharges that are acceptable or prohibited. Some of the prohibitions and limits are based on Federal regulations (40 CFR 403) and others are based on local conditions.
Marion Utilities monitors industrial facilities and other non-domestic dischargers by sampling their wastewater and inspecting their facilities. The samples collected are analyzed for the parameters addressed in our Sewer Use Ordinance and the Federal regulations. Should the limits of parameter be exceeded, the facility is notified and responsible for getting back into compliance.
Marion Utilities monitors industrial facilities and other non-domestic dischargers by sampling their wastewater and inspecting their facilities. The samples collected are analyzed for the parameters addressed in our Sewer Use Ordinance and the Federal regulations. Should the limits of parameter be exceeded, the facility is notified and responsible for getting back into compliance.
Oil & Grease Program
Oil & Grease Program
What is the Problem with Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)?
The discharge of animal or vegetable fat, oil and grease (FOG) into the sanitary sewer has resulted in sewer line clogs, sewer lift station failures, and wastewater treatment plant problems. In response, Marion Utilities initiated a program to reduce the amount of oil and grease being discharged to the sewer system.
Need more information? Read our "What is FOG?" booklet.
Need more information? Read our "What is FOG?" booklet.
What can I do to Reduce FOG in the Sewer System?
Individuals can help by scraping food waste and grease into the trash can or a compost bin, disposing of household hazardous waste and unused medications at recycling facilities, and tossing all wipes, rags, paper towels, and other trash in the trash can.
Industrial, commercial and other facilities can help by changing operations or activities to reduce the amount of waste sent to the WWTP, replacing harmful chemicals with less harmful options, and installing facility treatment systems to reduce the concentration of chemicals being discharged.
Industrial, commercial and other facilities can help by changing operations or activities to reduce the amount of waste sent to the WWTP, replacing harmful chemicals with less harmful options, and installing facility treatment systems to reduce the concentration of chemicals being discharged.
How Does Marion Utilities Regulate FOG?
Marion Utilities’ Oil & Grease Introduction Program (page 3 of the booklet) details our approach to managing the problems associated with FOG. The following guides detail grease interceptor or trap requirements: Interceptor Sizing & Design, Interceptor Maintenance (pages 7-10 of the booklet) and Grease Trap Requirements (pages 17-20 of the booklet).
Grease Trap Sizing Calculator (Small)
Determine the flow rate of your sink:
If Draining Multiple Sinks Into One Grease Trap
- Calculate the capacity of the sink in cubic inches (measurements of one compartment), and multiply that total by the number of compartments:
Length (In.) x Width (In.) x Depth (In.) = Cubic In. - Convert the capacity from Total cubic inches to gallons per minute (GPM):
Number of Compartments ÷ 231 = GPM - Adjust for displacement (displacement takes into consideration the actual useable capacity of your sink):
GPM x 0.75 = GPM* x 2 = Flow Rate Capacity (lbs.)
If Draining Multiple Sinks Into One Grease Trap
- Determine the flow rate for each sink to be serviced by the grease trap using the same calculations as a single sink.
- Add together 100% of the largest flow rate, 50% of the second largest, and 25% of all others.
- The result is the recommended flow rate (in GPM) of the grease trap.
Environmental Services
Environmental Services
Agricultural Lime Substitute Program
Marion Utilities agricultural lime substitute is a very fine liming material, reacting faster and more completely in the soil than a more coarse liming material. It is expected that the full benefit of the agricultural lime substitute neutralizing effectiveness will be available within three years of lime application, giving the farmer an opportunity to control and maintain the desired level of pH in the soil in a more timely way.
Marion Utilities Water Treatment plant produces agricultural lime substitute in the water softening process. The following table compares Marion Utilities agricultural lime substitute with locally available aglime.
Compost Program
Yard waste, consisting mainly of leaves, brush and grass clippings, is the main ingredient to our compost. The yard waste is ground into fine particles. Materials from street sweepings are then added as a bulking agent. The material is allowed to compost over a one to five-month period. Before it comes to the public, we screen the compost to remove the larger particles that did not break down.
Compost has the ability to improve the properties of soil physically, chemically, and biologically. Not only does it contain nutrients that your plants need for optimum growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but it also has long-term benefits related to its content of organic matter.
Benefits include:
For more information, please call our Environmental Resource Specialist at 765.664.2391, ext. 129.
Benefits include:
- Improves soil porosity and density
- Increases soil permeability thereby decreasing erosion
- Improves the soil’s water holding capacity
- Supplies vital macro and micro-nutrients
- Supplies beneficial microorganisms
- Improves and stabilizes soil pH
- Compost’s high organic content conditions the soil
For more information, please call our Environmental Resource Specialist at 765.664.2391, ext. 129.
Waste Haulers
Waste Haulers
What hauled waste does Marion Utilities Accept?
Marion Utilities accepts septic tank waste, holding tank waste, and portable toilet waste. Other waste may be accepted following testing and evaluation. Waste brought to Marion Utilities must be tracked on a Waste Hauler Discharge Form, stating the name and address of hauler, origin of the waste, type of waste, and volume of waste.
What do I need to do to dispose of waste?
Haulers wanting to dispose of residential type waste need to complete this form:
Waste Hauler Application
Submit these along with a State License to:
Pretreatment Coordinator
Marion Utilities
1540 N Washington Street
Marion, IN 46952
Waste Hauler Application
Submit these along with a State License to:
Pretreatment Coordinator
Marion Utilities
1540 N Washington Street
Marion, IN 46952
How much does it cost to dispose of waste?
Click on the on sheet below to download or print.
hauled_waste_rates_2020.pdf | |
File Size: | 166 kb |
File Type: |
Metered Sewer Use
Metered Sewer Use
Who is a Sewer Meter User?
A sewer meter user is a facility or community that meters their sewer discharge. When it is determined that the metered water used at a property does not accurately reflect the wastewater volume discharged, Marion Utilities may require or allow a user to install and maintain at his or her expense an approved metering device to directly measure the quantity of wastewater discharged to the sewer system. These meters shall be tested for accuracy at the expense of the user when deemed necessary by the Marion Utility Service Board.
What are the Meter Requirements?
Several metering options are available. The metering device shall be designed to measure the type of flow in the discharge line and shall be installed such that the device can accurately measure the flow volume. The accuracy of the metering device shall be confirmed by periodic calibration, redundant metering, or other means.
How is the Sewer Meter Program Regulated?
Users interested in or required to install a meter on their wastewater discharge line shall obtain and complete a Private Source Discharge Permit Application. The wastewater discharge and metering information shall be reviewed. Additional information or changes may be required. If approved, a Private Source Discharge Permit shall be issued. The discharge permit shall limit discharge parameters, specify metering and accuracy testing requirements, and address other applicable concerns.
Users must meet the requirements of Marion Utilities Wastewater Rules and Regulations and the City of Marion Sewer Use Ordinance.
Users must meet the requirements of Marion Utilities Wastewater Rules and Regulations and the City of Marion Sewer Use Ordinance.
Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention
Cross Connection Control
What is Cross Connection?
Cross connection occurs when water in your supply line has the potential to flow backwards (through back-siphonage or changes in water pressure) creating a contamination risk. Backflow incidents can be significantly reduced or prevented by using the following tools for protection:
We work with Aqua Backflow for device testing - certified testers can submit results on their website by clicking HERE.
- Air gap – vertical air space between the water supply outlet and the flood level of the receiving device
- Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention devices (RPs)
- Double check backflow prevention devices (DCs)
- Pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs)
We work with Aqua Backflow for device testing - certified testers can submit results on their website by clicking HERE.
How can I help Prevent Cross Connections from happening?
Instructions for proper installation and maintenance of these protection devices can be found in the Indiana Administrative Code 327 IAC 8-10.
Cross connections are prohibited by Marion Utilities Water Ordinance (see page 11 of the ordinance PDF). Individuals and facilities may be required to install devices on their main water, fire protection, or buried irrigation water service line and may be required to install an RP, DC, or PVB. Those devices must be tested every 12 months by a State of Indiana Certified Tester. The results must be recorded and kept on file with Marion Utilities.
To ensure that you have installed and are maintaining appropriate backflow and cross connection control measures, please read the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s 2016 Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual, Marion Utilities' Backflow Prevention Brochure, and Marion Utilities' Cross Connection Control Policy. A current listing of assemblies approved by the Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulics Research can be found here.
Cross connections are prohibited by Marion Utilities Water Ordinance (see page 11 of the ordinance PDF). Individuals and facilities may be required to install devices on their main water, fire protection, or buried irrigation water service line and may be required to install an RP, DC, or PVB. Those devices must be tested every 12 months by a State of Indiana Certified Tester. The results must be recorded and kept on file with Marion Utilities.
To ensure that you have installed and are maintaining appropriate backflow and cross connection control measures, please read the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s 2016 Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Manual, Marion Utilities' Backflow Prevention Brochure, and Marion Utilities' Cross Connection Control Policy. A current listing of assemblies approved by the Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulics Research can be found here.
Backflow Preventer Device Testing
Are you in need of backflow device testing? City Utilities maintains a Backflow Tester Business Listing. City Utilities provides this list for the convenience of our customers. Companies and individuals appearing on the list are not endorsed by City Utilities. City Utilities does not warrant or guarantee the work done by the companies or individuals listed. Click here for a link to certified backflow testers registered with Aqua Backflow.
Irrigation Systems
Due to the bacterial and chemical contaminants found on lawns, irrigation systems are considered high hazards with the potential to backflow into the public water distribution system. For this reason, these systems must have an approved backflow prevention device installed and tested annually. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that cross connections do not exist and that the backflow prevention device is maintained.
Property owners may choose to discontinue using their lawn irrigation system for a variety of reasons, but backflow prevention requirements are still in effect and enforced unless the system is physically disconnected. If the property owner wishes to disconnect their system, City Utilities recommends first reviewing our informational flyer.
Property owners may choose to discontinue using their lawn irrigation system for a variety of reasons, but backflow prevention requirements are still in effect and enforced unless the system is physically disconnected. If the property owner wishes to disconnect their system, City Utilities recommends first reviewing our informational flyer.
Backflow Prevention FAQs
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reversal in the direction of the normal flow of water in a piping system. This can be caused by backsiphonage or backpressure. A negative or reduced pressure in the supply piping causes backsiphonage much the same way as drinking through a straw. Potential for backpressure backflow exists wherever there is a heating system, elevated tank, or other pressure producing equipment. When the pressure is reduced, the flow in the supply piping is reversed.
Does water really flow backwards?
Yes, it does happen. When the public water distribution system is in normal operation, water flows directly from the Marion Utilities' water main to your property. However, in certain situations backflow can occur causing water to flow back into the distribution system. The most likely time for this to happen is during periods of high water usage such as when fighting a fire, flushing a hydrant, water main breaks or repairs in the water distribution system.
What is a backflow prevention device?
A backflow prevention device is a plumbing mechanism that provides a physical barrier to prevent the possibility of backflow from occurring and potentially polluting or contaminating the public water supply
Why do I have to test my backflow prevention device?
Backflow prevention devices are required to be tested annually because they have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Therefore, all backflow prevention devices have to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly to protect the public water system.
How often do I have to test my backflow prevention device?
Backflow prevention devices (of all types) are required by Indiana (see Indiana Administrative Code 327 IAC 8-10) to be tested annually, and are considered past due the following calendar day after the test due date.
Who can test my backflow prevention device?
Testing must be performed by a State Certified Backflow Tester. Download a list of companies that offer this service or find a list at https://www.aquabackflow.com/backflow-testing-companies/.
Does Marion Utilities earn revenue from this program?
Marion Utilities does not earn any revenue by implementing and enforcing this program. Revenue associated with this program is contained within the private sector (Backflow Testers/Plumbing Companies & Aqua Backflow.) We realize and understand that there is an expense and inconvenience involved with complying with the requirements. However, protecting the public water supply is everyone’s responsibility and at Marion Utilities, we take our part very seriously.
Why has Marion Utilities decide to hire an outside vendor to help manage the program?
Marion Utilities has contracted with a firm called Aqua Backflow to help improve the efficiency of our customer communication, notification, and test results submittal process. For several years our staff manually entered the results of tests sent to us into our backflow management software. As our utility grows and we begin to protect more service lines, this task becomes increasingly cumbersome and is better managed by a firm that specializes in this process.
Where can I find information on the Indiana Administrative Code regarding Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention?
327 IAC 8-10 may be found online at www.in.gov/legislative/iac/.
How do I contact Aqua Backflow?
Aqua Backflow — Cross Connection Control Operations
977 Elizabeth St.
Elgin, IL 60120
847.742.2296 (Phone)
847.742.9696 (Fax)
[email protected] (Email)
977 Elizabeth St.
Elgin, IL 60120
847.742.2296 (Phone)
847.742.9696 (Fax)
[email protected] (Email)
How do I know when my backflow prevention device is due to be tested or who tested it most recently?
You will receive a reminder notice from Aqua Backflow before your backflow prevention device is due to be tested. The notice will include the test due date and the last company on record who has serviced it. This information can also be found online using the “My Backflow” app at trackmybackflow.com. Enter your Site ID and the Site Address Number only. The Site ID is listed on the letter you received from Aqua Backflow. If you do not have a Site ID available to you, contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296.
Can backflow notifications be sent to a mailing address that is different from the billing address?
The notification can be sent to a mailing address separate from your billing address, if you prefer. Contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296 to have your backflow mailing address updated.
Where do I submit backflow prevention device test results?
You must be a State Certified Backflow Tester to submit your test results online at www.trackmybackflow.com. A water utility customer may not submit the results on the tester’s behalf. Additionally, if you send a copy to Marion Utilities or Aqua Backflow’s office, this does not guarantee that you won’t receive a non-compliance notice.
I had my backflow prevention device tested. Why am I receiving a notice?
Contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296 to inquire if your State Certified Backflow Tester submitted the results.
Can I have an extension on when my backflow prevention device is due to be tested?
A reasonable extension may be available. Contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296 to discuss extending your test date.
I have a lawn irrigation system that I don't use. Am I still required to test my backflow prevention device annually?
Yes. According to state law (see Indiana Administrative Code 327 IAC 8-10), you are required to test your backflow prevention device annually even if you are not using your system. You may request a temporary or permanent removal of your backflow prevention device if you no longer wish to use your irrigation system. Contact Aqua Backflow at 847-742-2296 to discuss temporary or permanent removal of your backflow prevention device.
I have removed or replaced my backflow prevention device. What do I need to do?
Contact Aqua Backflow at 847.742.2296 to ensure the records are up-to-date.
What happens if I fail to comply? Will my water be shut off if I don't test my backflow prevention device?
Marion Utilities may terminate water service for a customer who is found to be in non-compliance. You will receive multiple notices prior to the ultimate disconnection of your water service.
I've received a Final Disconnection Notice, Recorded Message, or Red Tag. What do I need to do?
If you have received a Final Disconnection Notice, Recorded Message, or Red Tag related to backflow prevention compliance, we suggest you schedule testing with a State Certified Backflow Tester immediately to avoid interruption in your water service.
My water has been disconnected. What do I need to do to have my water restored?
Once your service has been disconnected, your State Certified Backflow Tester must call Marion Utilities Water Division at 765.664.2391, option 5 to schedule your service to be turned back on to allow your backflow prevention device to be tested.
Wellhead Protection
Wellhead Protection
How does Wellhead Protection Prevent Groundwater Contamination?
Marion Utilities obtains water from groundwater wells located in three well fields within the City of Marion and Grant and Wabash Counties. Marion Utilities and representatives from the community established a Wellhead Protection plan to minimize the threat of groundwater contamination.
Contaminants in the groundwater can cause serious health problems, are costly to remove, and may persist for a long time. You can help prevent groundwater contamination by following the general prevention measures below. |
What is Marion's Wellhead Protection Plan?
The wellhead protection plan has 4 components:
|
How Can I help Prevent Groundwater Contamination?
If you live or work within a wellhead protection area, you can help prevent groundwater contamination by following these general prevention measures:
- Properly dispose of harmful materials. Don’t dump them on the ground or put them down the drain.
- Minimize the amount of fertilizer and pesticides used on lawns and gardens.
- Properly maintain above ground or underground storage tanks.
- Check your property for unused or abandoned wells, cisterns or dry wells; then properly abandon them.
- Report illegal dumping.
EPA Resources
Other Information
- Residential property owner in Grant County: take harmful materials to the Grant County Household Hazardous Waste collection site (call 677-6044 for hours or go to www.eciswd.org).
- Plug an abandoned well: contact the DNR or Purdue University-Grant County Extension for well abandonment guidance documents.
- If you would like to view Marion Utilities Wellhead Protection Plan in its entirety, please contact the utility at 664-2391 ext. 128.
- Additional resources for Wellhead Protection Plans: EPA & IDEM.
Industrial Discharge Permit
Industrial Discharge Permit
Download Our Industrial Discharge Permit
Contact Us
Questions? Email our Program Support or call 765.664.2391, ext. 128.
Weather observations:
Readings are recorded at 7 a.m. every day and reflect the previous 24-hour period between 7AM yesterday and 7AM today.
High (°F) |
Low (°F) |
Precipitation (in.) |
River Level at Highland Bridge (ft.) |
62 |
36 |
0.0 |
1.10 |
1540 n. washington st.
|