City of Watertown netting new revenue thanks to sump pump variance fee

November 10, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The city of Watertown is pulling in new revenue this fall from its new sump pump variance policy.

Those who apply, and receive approval, for the variance to pump water from their sump directly into the storm sewer system now have to pay a $125 fee. In the past, that’s a process that was free of charge.

City Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien tells KWAT News the latest numbers show 309 variances have been approved.

That equates to nearly $39,000 in new revenue for city government.

During the winter of 2019-2020, there were 515 Watertown residents approved for the variance–at no cost.