The City of Goshen’s wastewater collection system consists of both combined sewers and separated sewers. The combined sewers were designed to convey both sanitary wastewater and runoff from rainfall or snowmelt, while sanitary sewers collect and convey strictly sanitary wastewater. The City of Goshen estimates that approximately 12% of its sewer service areas are comprised of combined sewers that convey both sanitary wastewater and stormwater. These are located in the older central portion of the city. The City of Goshen collection system currently is capable of providing hydraulic relief of the combined wastewater flow at six Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) points, one of which is the Wastewater Treatment Plant bypass. The wastewater collection system currently experiences approximately 50 CSO events per year, specifically during periods of heavy rainfall and excessive snowmelt. During CSO events, water quality downstream of the six CSO’s may be impaired within the Elkhart River. Adverse health effects may occur to persons entering this waterway to wade or swim during and immediately following CSO events. Special precautions should be taken to prevent accidental or intentional ingestion of this water.

Persons interested in direct notification of CSO events by fax or email may provide contact information, through a written request, to:

Environmental Compliance Administrator
1000 West Wilden Avenue
Goshen, IN 46528
davebates@goshencity.com