The Problem

Terre Haute, like many other Midwestern cities has a problem with polluted waterways.  Combined sewage overflows, failing septic systems, and urban stormwater runoff all contribute to sewage or untreated water flowing into the Wabash River.

Since the addition of indoor plumbing, Terre Haute has had a problem with combined sewage running into the Wabash River.  When it rains or when snow melts, stormwater floods the pipes that make up the combined sewer system, mixing with sanitary sewage.  As little as a quarter inch of rain can cause that water to overflow into the river through combined sewer overflows (CSO).

Combined sewage causes health problems and degrades the quality of our river.  Terre Haute is working hard to combat this CSO problem and help make the Wabash River cleaner and safer for our citizens.

For more information, click below on the following topics:

• Sanitary System
• Septic Tanks
• Stormwater
• Combined Sewer Overflow

Oak Street CSO overflowing during a rain event.