SP628 Choosing 'Sewer Safer' Trees

Municipal sanitary sewer systems are, second to the drinking water system, the most important public health asset of a city. When they are properly operating, that is, carrying the wastewater and sewage away from homes and businesses and to the treatment plant, they protect the public from the potential health hazards associated with human waste. However, when blockages in the pipes cause backups into homes or businesses or overflows in streets or rightof- ways, the health of citizens is at risk. One of the factors that contributes to sewer line blockages is the intrusion of tree roots. Landowners and landscape professionals should be aware of the location of sewer lines when planning landscapes. If in doubt about the locations of sewer lines, drain field or connection pipes, contact your local public works department.