Owatonna's Wastewater Treatment Facility is actively engaged in maintaining the health of the city's sewer system with its ongoing sanitary sewer jetting project in Zone 3. This essential process involves the use of a high-powered 'Jetter Truck,' equipped with 1,200 gallons of water and a 600-foot hose, to thoroughly clean the sewer mains.

The procedure commences with the hose being lowered through a manhole to the main sewer lines. Once positioned, the pump activates, sending water through the hose and out of a specialized jetting nozzle. This nozzle releases water at an impressive pressure of 1,200 to 1,800 pounds per square inch. As the nozzle is pushed upstream to the next manhole—typically 300 to 350 feet away—it is then drawn back, effectively clearing debris such as wipes, sand, grit, grease, and solids. These dislodged materials are either flushed further downstream or vacuumed into the truck's debris box.

Residents and businesses may notice gurgling sounds or fleeting odors during this cleaning process. This can happen because the vacuum created during jetting might deplete water from drain traps, leading to temporary dry conditions that cause odor. As a precautionary measure, the Owatonna Wastewater Treatment Facility advises filling these traps with water after jetting work is completed in your area.

The city aims to clean 20 percent of its sewer mains each year, systematically working through its five designated zones to cover the entire network every five years. Zone 3 is currently in focus for 2025, a part of Owatonna's continuous effort to ensure a smooth-functioning sewer system.

For further inquiries or to report issues, residents and business owners can contact the Wastewater Treatment Facility at 507.444.2452 or visit their website for more information.