This practice is not only a violation of our policies and may result in fines, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, it can be environmentally damaging. When manhole covers are removed and large volumes of water are introduced into the otherwise closed collection system, it causes serious problems like overflows at other nearby manholes or at larger neighborhood pump stations. Wastewater collection systems are carefully designed to carry and treat specific volumes of ‘flow’. A large and sudden introduction of storm water disrupts this cycle and environmentally damaging spills are an almost certain result. Waste water spills can end up in our estuaries, creeks and rivers, and it is equally important to avoid introducing wastewater into existing neighborhood floodwaters. Please, if you witness anyone tampering with a manhole cover, report this activity immediately to CFPUA Customer Service at 332-6550 or our Emergency Call Center at 332-6565. Let’s all be responsible stewards of the environment.