Since 1963, the Spearfish Valley Sanitary District has provided reliable, cost-effective wastewater services for residents throughout the Spearfish Valley area. Our mission is to protect public health, maintain a dependable sewer system, and ensure wastewater flows safely and efficiently. We do this through regular system inspections, proactive maintenance, updated ordinances, and ongoing public education about best practices for keeping our sewer system running smoothly.
The District is committed to keeping services affordable for the community. The monthly residential rate set at $50.
Rate Adjustment Notice
Beginning January 1, the Spearfish Valley Sanitary District will implement a rate adjustment to support ongoing system maintenance and infrastructure needs. Commercial accounts will see a 7% increase, and residential accounts will see a 5% increase. If you have any questions regarding the updated rates, please contact our office at 605-642-4870.
Many sewer backups in Spearfish occur when heavy, non-flushable products are sent down toilets. Items like wipes, paper towels, shop towels, napkins, rags, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, cigarettes, and condoms do not break down in water and can clog pipes or cause major blockages.
Only toilet paper should be flushed.
All other products should go directly into the trash to avoid costly and avoidable backups.
The District regularly performs smoke testing to locate direct leaks, identify missing or broken cleanout caps, and ensure the sewer system is performing properly. The smoke used is non-toxic, odorless, stainless, and vegetable-based.
This ongoing program is done with support from SD Rural Water, and we appreciate their continued assistance. Cleanout caps are simple and inexpensive to replace—4” caps are available locally. If smoke testing identifies a cleanout issue on your property, please reach out for help at 605-642-4870.
With 11 miles of sewer pipe and 221 manholes, routine inspections are essential. The District partners with A1 Sewer and Drain to provide:
CCTV camera inspections to detect cracks, leaky joints, and root intrusions
Routine jetting to clear debris and prevent backups
Documented video reports that help plan repairs before problems worsen
These inspections help extend the lifespan of the entire system and keep wastewater flowing properly.
Inflow (rainwater entering the sewer) and infiltration (groundwater seeping into sewer lines) can overload the system and lead to backups, increased treatment costs, and property damage. These issues often occur in private sewer laterals, which are the property owner’s responsibility.
I&I problems may be caused by:
Improper plumbing connections
Cracked or damaged pipes
Aged or outdated pipe materials
Construction practices from older homes
If a property owner does not correct an issue coming from their sewer lateral, the District may complete the repair and bill the owner. An informational brochure on I&I is available at the office or online.
A single leaking toilet can send hundreds of gallons of water per day into the sewer system. Even a 1/16” leak can waste up to 25,000 gallons per month, which is more than four times the average household’s monthly usage. Please repair leaking toilets, faucets, or fixtures promptly to help reduce water waste and strain on the system.
Fats, oils, and grease buildup in pipes can lead to sewer blockages and costly overflows. Spearfish Public Works provides a FOG education program explaining how households and businesses can help keep these materials out of the sewer system. A PDF version of the program is available for download.
The Spearfish Valley Sanitary District has completed a full revision of its ordinances to strengthen clarity and compliance. The consolidated ordinance is available online as a downloadable PDF.
Residents can also access the 2014 agreement with the City of Spearfish through the provided link.
