Town Government

WasteWater

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find questions that are frequently asked of the WasteWater Department. If you have a specific question not on the list feel free to contact the Department at WasteWater@schererville.org If you are having problems locating the information you seek, please use the search tool at the top of each page.

WasteWater Questions

Questions & Answers

Who do I call if I have an odor complaint about the wastewater treatment facility?

The Schererville wastewater treatment facility at (219) 322-4240.

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Where can I dispose of my RV sanitary waste?

The town’s wastewater treatment plant is located at 550 Kaeser Blvd. and has the facilities to dispose of RV waste. There is no charge. It is open Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. We do not accept RV waste on holidays. You must be a Schererville or St. John resident to dispose of RV sanitary waste.

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How should I dispose of used cooking grease?

You should never pour used cooking grease down your drain. Grease is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages. Grease should be collected in tin cans or glass jars and disposed of in the trash after it is cooled.

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Can I flush cleaning wipes down the toilet, it says they are flushable on the container?

The only thing you should ever flush down the toilet is human waste and toilet paper, also known as the 3 P’s (Pee, Poop, and Paper). All other items should go into the trash. Cleaning wipes and baby wipes do not break down in the sewer system and could cause sewer back-ups in your home and sub-division. Also on the DO NOT FLUSH list are: cotton balls, band aids, maxi pads, nursing pads, hair, dental floss, grease, diapers, condoms, and prescription medications.

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How should I dispose of other wastes like motor oil, paint, and household chemicals?

Lake County Waste Management provides disposal sites during the summer that offers full recycling options. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.lcswmd.com/.

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How should I dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs?

Drop them off at the Schererville Police Department at 25 E. Joliet St.

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What do my monthly sewer service charges pay for?

The Schererville Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTP) is supported by the fees paid by residential, commercial, and industrial rate payers. Your monthly charges pay for the maintenance and operation of the system, upgrades to the treatment process, and employee costs.

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Who do I contact about water meters?

Please call the Schererville Public Works Department at (219) 322-6688.

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Who do I contact about my water and sewer bill?

Please contact the Schererville Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at (219) 322-2211 extension 5.

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Who do I contact about garbage pick-up?

Please contact the Schererville Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at (219) 322-2211 extension 5.

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What does a wastewater treatment facility do?

Treatment facilities remove solids and other pollutants from wastewater. This treated water can then be safely discharged to the environment. This same process occurs in nature. Treatment facilities enhance this natural process and speed it up to treat larger volumes of wastewater in a shorter period of time. Treatment includes physical, biological, and a chemical processes to clean the water.

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Where does the water go once it is treated?

The wastewater treatment facility treats wastewater from the Towns of Schererville and St. John and cleans it before it is discharged to the Schererville ditch. The biosolids are removed, treated, and beneficially reused. Some reclaimed water is used for irrigation and treatment purposes.

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Who runs the wastewater treatment facility?

Highly trained, experienced, state-certified treatment facility operators employed by the Town of Schererville are on duty 24 hours a day, every day, to direct treatment facility processes and react quickly to any unusual events. Much of the treatment process is highly automated and requires a great deal of technical expertise.

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How reliable is the treatment facility?

Reliability at the wastewater treatment facility is very high. Critical treatment processes are designed with redundant equipment, which means that if a mechanical or electrical component fails, a backup system is available to take its place. Mechanical and electrical staff are on-call 24 hours a day in case of a failure that requires immediate attention.

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How is the quality of the treated wastewater ensured?

Our on-site monitoring provides information and records data on wastewater quality around the clock. Samples are also collected and analyzed on-site, in our state certified laboratory. This water quality information is continually assessed to ensure permit compliance and protection of the environment.

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Who regulates the wastewater treatment facility?

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is charged with implementing state and federal rules governing the operation of wastewater treatment facilities. As such, IDEM has issued a Natural Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for the WWTP. The permit describes conditions and limitations to ensure public health and protection of the environment.

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