The Town of Clifton Park Sewer Department oversees the Operation and Maintenance of 10 Sewer Districts within the Town of Clifton Park and Malta.  While all public sewers, each district presents unique challenges and budget.  The Clifton Park Sewer Department utilizes resources throughout the districts and Towns, to provide the best value to the taxpayer, while working to upgrade old infrastructure.

The Districts are as follows:

• Clifton Park Sewer District #1
• Dutch Meadows Sewer District
• Woodland Hills Sewer District
• Old Nott Farm Sewer District
• Rivercrest Extension #1 Sewer District
• Rivercrest Sewer District
• Clifton County Road Sewer District
• Corporate Commerce Sewer District
• Malta Sewer District #2
• Riverview Landing Sewer District

If you do not live or are unsure if you are within these sewer districts feel free to contact us with your sewer related questions at 518-348-7313 or click on the email link at the top of the page. We would be glad to help you.

The following information may answer many questions people may have.  We will continue to upgrade this page with pertinent info as needed.  We have also provided sever files with grinder pump specs, the Town owned grinder pump list (Clifton Park Sewer District #1 and Malta Sewer District #2 only).

Other information
If the Alarm Lights:
If there is a grinder pump failure, the tank which contains the pump will become too full. An alarm light located in your home will automatically turn on.

You should:

1. Discontinue water use to prevent overflows
2. Wait fifteen minutes before taking further action. A high level of water usage will sometimes cause the alarm to come on. This situation is self correcting. If the pump is operating correctly, the wet well will automatically be pumped down and the alarm light will turn off.
3. If the alarm light is still on after fifteen minutes, call our 24-hour emergency number at 518-877-6095.
4. Never attempt to open the tank cover or the electrical panel box. CAUTION: Electrical shock or damage to the system may occur.

Protect Your Pump
The grinder pump can handle any wastewater that is normally discharged to the sewer from the kitchen, bathroom or laundry. Some chemicals and materials may cause operating problems or safety hazards. It is advisable to check labels on chemicals prior to their disposal. Never connect a sump pump to the grinder pump.

CAUTION: Never put any of the following materials into sinks, toilets or drains:

• Glass, metal, wood, seafood shells
• Diapers, socks, rags or cloth of any kind
• Plastic objects (toys, eating utensils, etc.)
• Any strong chemical, toxic, caustic, or poisonous substance
• Degreasing solvents
• Any explosive or flammable material
• Gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, paint thinner, antifreeze
• Lubricating oil or grease
• Cooking fat (lard, oil, grease)
• Hair clippings

These materials may clog your home system or create unsafe conditions in your lines and tank. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your low pressure system will provide many years of safe, reliable service.

Nuts and Bolts: Technical Details
A sewage holding tank has been installed underground in your home and a sewage grinder pump is housed in the tank. The tank cover is round and is the only part that shows above the floor. All of the wastewater from your home flows into the buried tank. When the tank fills to a present level, the grinder pump automatically turns on, grinds the waste, and forces it out of the tank and into the sewage system. The grinder pump normally will run for one or two minutes and will automatically turn off when the tank has been emptied. The pump is programmed to operate in cycles, rather than continuously. Cycles are determined by the amount of water used, usually after 20 gallons has entered the tank. During a usual day, the grinder pump will turn on and off to empty the tank 20 to 30 times.

In Case of Power Failure
If there is a power failure which affects your home, your grinder pump will also experience a loss of power and not be able to operate. The grinder pump tank has a certain amount of holding capacity, but interior water use should be severely limited until power has been restored.

While on Vacation
If you are going to be away from home for more than seven days, the following steps should be taken to minimize any stagnating odors. First, run water from an inside tap long enough for the grinder pump to begin working. After the pump turns on, turn the water off. The grinder pump will run until the tank is empty and will shut off. This process will cleanse the pump and leave it filled with a minimum of clean water. Always leave the electrical power on.

Sewer System Cleaning Information
The Town of Clifton Park Sewer Department will be conducting sewer line cleaning on Town owned sewer systems throughout the year to provide residents with the best service possible. The following information has been put together to help this process go smoothly as we clean the mains in your street.

With the risk of continuing low temperatures, residents in the Country Knolls South Neighborhood and those throughout the Town of Clifton Park with grinder pumps, make sure to check your pumps for freezing. In order to prevent freezing, be sure to cycle your pumps frequently by running your faucet or flushing your toilet to allow the pump to cycle through several times a day. This will prevent the pump and lines from freezing.

Current Projects: 2016-2017
Clifton Park Sewer District #1:  The upgrade of sewer pipe along Valencia Lane, Val De Penas, South Barney, and Par Del Rio in Clifton Knolls.  Expected to be completed spring 2017.