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The Town of Penfield Department Public Works operates and maintains approximately 110 miles of sanitary sewer mains and 12 pump stations, which serve approximately 9,000 homes and businesses within the Town’s Consolidated Sanitary Sewer District.  The first sanitary sewers in Penfield were installed as part of the Panorama Estates Subdivision, circa 1958. During the early 1960's the town experienced a building boom, which caused the Town to establish Sewer Districts No. 1 & 3. Each of these districts operated Sewage Treatment Plants. At one time the Town of Penfield operated 3 Sewage Treatment plants. In the mid 70's these 3 treatment plants were taken off line with the advent of the Monroe County Pure Waters Interceptor Program. The Penfield Department Public Works Sewer staff is now responsible for transmission of sewer effluent to one of 4 - Pure Waters Interceptor sewers, which serve eastern Monroe County. These large interceptor pipes transmit sewage effluent north to the Frank E. Van Lare Treatment Facility. This facility is located on Lakeshore Boulevard in Irondequoit. A small portion of the sewer flow from Penfield is treated by the Town of Webster Sewer Treatment Plant located on Phillips Road. On an annual basis, the Sewer staff also oversees the various sanitary sewers projects. These projects are designed to bring sanitary sewers to neighborhoods, which are currently utilize septic systems. The Town Board prioritizes these projects based on: Level of Support - Petition(s), Resident Surveys, Supporting Testimony Relative Need – M.C. Health Department data on existing septic systems. Availability of sewers in the area. With this information the Town Board and Sewer Department develop their annual sewer project priorities. If you would like more information related to this program please contact the Department Public Works directly. The Penfield Town Board is designated as the governing body or Commissioners of the Consolidated Sanitary Sewer District.

FAQ's ??? Is my property connected to sanitary sewers or what do I need to do to connect my property if not already Not all properties in Penfield have sanitary sewer availability and where sanitary sewers are available not all properties have been connected. The best way to check if your property is connected to the sanitary sewer system is to call the Sewer Department at 340-8638. If sewers are available and you wish to connect to them you will need to contract with a local plumbing concern that does this type of work. Before the connection can be made you would need to pay the one time Sewer Entrance Fee. This is usually $500 but can be $800 if in the north central portion of Penfield. Who do I call if I am having trouble with my Sanitary Sewer service? You can always start by calling the Department of Public Works. During the day (585) 340-8638 or nights & weekends (585) 340-8600, Menu Option – ( 2 ). We will always come out to check the main sewers to make sure that they are flowing properly. Usually though, sewer problems are related to a blockage in the lateral which is the pipe from the home to the sewer main located near the street. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to provide regular/general maintenance to this pipe to keep it free flowing. Blockages can usually be removed by a Plumber using a cable machine commonly referred to as a Roto Rooter. If through their service they determine that there is a problem within the Town’s Right of Way or Easement we will make necessary arrangements to either repair or provide required maintenance. Who do I call if I am having trouble with my Storm Sewer service or Drainage Flooding? You can always start by calling the Department of Public Works. During the day (585) 340-8638 or nights & weekends (585) 340-8600, Menu Option – ( 2 ). Unless we are experiencing heavy rain, Storm Sewer service problems are usually related to a blockage in the lateral which is the pipe from the home to the storm sewer main located near the street. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to provide regular/general maintenance to this pipe to keep it free flowing. Blockages can usually be removed by a Plumber using a cable machine commonly referred to as a Roto Rooter. If through their service they determine that there is a problem within the Town’s Right of Way or Easement we will make necessary arrangements to either repair or provide required maintenance. If you are experience drainage flooding on your property you should start by calling the Department of Public Works at (585) 340-8710. They can make an assessment as to whether the flooding is volume related or if some element of the surface drainage system needs service. They will advise after an assessment has been made. How do I obtain Sanitary Sewer service for my property? The first step would be to call the Department of Public Works to determine if sanitary sewers are nearby or if your property is in an area where the Town Board is or has considered extension of sewers. After being advised as to the status of sewer service it may be appropriate to notify the Town Board, via. letter or petition requesting that the feasibility of sanitary sewers in your area be investigated. Factors which the Town Board will consider in this decision are cost vs. number of properties that can be served and level of support from property owners within the subject area.