WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY

What We Do

The Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) staff operates and maintains the town’s Waste Water Treatment Plant along with seventeen pumping stations and 117 miles of sewer pipe lines. Wastewater and septic waste delivered to the Westport WPCF is treated to exceed State and Federal standards.

In order to accomplish this mission, highly trained staff operate a recently completed state-of-the-art treatment facility.

We Are Located At
Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)
4 Elaine Road
Westport, CT 06880

Contact Us
Main Number: 203-227-4546 or 203-341-1167
Emergency Number: 203-515-8435 
Fax Number: 203-341-1166

Work Hours
Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sewer Backup Policy
An overflow in a wastewater system generally results from a blockage in the main line which causes the wastewater to back up into nearby pipes and drains. Stoppages can occur not only in the main sewer lines outside your home, but also within your home or office plumbing system.

If and when a backup occurs in a town-maintained line, the wastewater will normally overflow out of the lowest possible opening, which is usually a manhole located in the road or a yard. However in rare cases, the overflowing wastewater may exit through lower drains and toilets.

In home and office plumbing systems, the main causes are accumulation of grease, other solids and roots from trees. Also, items which are too large for wastewater pipes to handle such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins. Never put disposable diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet. These were not meant to be disposed of in this manner and may stop up lines and damage your plumbing system. Avoid putting grease down your garbage disposal or any household drain. Not only could it accumulate in town lines, it could also build up in your own system and might eventually require the services of a plumber. All of these items can cause major backups in the town’s lines as well.

In the event of a wastewater backup into your home or office follow the following procedures:

• Quickly close all drain openings. Keep in mind that ceramic plumbing fixtures such as toilets are fragile. Tub, sink and floor drains may need additional weight to keep them sealed.
• A string mop can be used to help plug toilets.
• Don’t run any water down your drains until you or a plumber has cleared the cause of the backup.
• If the backup appears to be in your neighborhood’s main wastewater line, call the Sewer Department immediately at the numbers listed above. A quick check with adjacent neighbors will help you determine if the blockage is widespread or if it is limited just to your home.

The town makes every attempt to prevent backups in the public wastewater system before they occur. Sewer lines are designed to prevent accumulation and blockages.

In the majority of cases, a special rider on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy is needed to cover damages related to sewage backups or water damage. This optional coverage is generally inexpensive. However, you must usually request it as it is not automatically included in most policies. Customers who may be vulnerable to backups such as those with below grade fixtures are especially advised to investigate this option.

Like the majority of municipalities around the country, the town  cannot assume financial liability for damages resulting from sewage backups, since most blockages are related to conditions that are beyond the our control. This is why it is important to verify that you are adequately insured.

If the backup appears to be in the town’s main line sewer, call the Sewer Department immediately. Crews from the WPCF are on call 24 hours a day to assist you. If it is verified that the blockage is in your home’s sewer line that runs from the main line in the roadway to your home, call a plumber of your choice to clear the obstruction.

If you notice any case of vandalism to the sewer lines or manholes, or observe wastewater bubbling out of a manhole, please contact the WPCA immediately.

Thank you!

The Water Pollution Control Authority
Town of Westport


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many gallons of wastewater does the facility treat per day?
A:  2 million gallons per day on an average day.

Q: How much septage is brought to the plant?
A: 0.50 million gallons per year.

Q: Is there a charge for dumping septage at the plant? 
A: On May 1, 2009 the septage dumping fee was set at $95 per thousand gallons.

Q: Can I dump waste water from my Recreation Vehicle at the plant?
A: Yes, at no charge, however you must be a Westport resident.

Q: Do you process any waste water from surrounding towns?
A: No. Westport only.

Q: Where is the treated water discharged?
A: Into the Saugatuck River adjacent to the plant.

Q: Who do I contact to see if I can hook up to the sewer system?
A:  A good place to start is the Public Works Engineering Department, Room 210 Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave, Phone 203-341-1120.

Q: If a storm event knocks out  power, does this have any effect on the function of town’s water Pollution Control Facility or its infrastructure?
A: The WPCF has the capability to operate fully on emergency generated power.