Wastewater Treatment

Overview

The Township’s Department of Wastewater Treatment consists of the Water Pollution Control Plant, 6 pumping stations, sewer mains and collection facilities. It collects, processes and disposes of wastewater in accordance with NJDEP regulations.

Service Interruptions

For service interruptions (blockages, overflows, etc.) during regular business hours call 908-464-5700, ext. 2140.

Off-Hours Service Interruptions

For service interruptions during off-hours, call BHPD at 908-464-1111.

Backwater Valve Info

Installing a backwater valve in your home could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in cleanup and restoration fees in the event sewage backs up toward your home. Sewage backups occur when wastewater builds up in municipal sewer lines as a result of pipes becoming blocked with impediments such as rocks, cooking grease buildup or sanitary wipe accumulation. With the normal path of flow cut off, wastewater accumulates in the line and ultimately finds its way into residential laterals, which are the pipes that convey the sewage from your home to the Township’s main sewer line. If the blockage is severe enough, sewage can back up the entire length of your lateral and enter your home through drains in your basement, causing extensive damage. Cleanup and repair from sewage flooding is costly! Some incidents can cost up to $85,000 depending on the degree of damage.

Fortunately, the installation of a backwater valve in your home can prevent sewage from backing up into your basement. A backwater valve (also referred to as a backflow valve) is a simple and effective check valve usually installed beneath a home’s basement floor that allows the flow of water to travel in only one direction—in this case, it only allows flow to pass from your house to the main sewer line. If the flow reverses from the main sewer line back toward your home, a flapper in a typical backwater valve configuration will shut, stemming the backflow of sewage and protecting your home from flooding.

You should strongly consider equipping your home with a backwater valve if the lowest drain in your home is located less than 24 inches above the nearest upstream manhole. Contact a licensed plumber to see if a backwater valve is right for your home. Backwater valves generally cost between $600-$1,400 to install depending on the type of valve selected.