What Is the Austin MN Sump Pump Inspection Program?
The City of Austin, Minnesota launched its mandatory sump pump inspection program in 2018 to address inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the city's sanitary sewer system. Austin sits along the Cedar River in Mower County, and with 68.8% of homes built before 1970, aging infrastructure allows groundwater and stormwater to enter sewer lines that were designed only for wastewater.
During heavy rainfall events, sewer flows in Austin can jump to eight times the normal rate. A single sump pump discharges between 20-100 gallons per minute. When dozens of sump pumps across a neighborhood are improperly connected to the sanitary sewer instead of discharging outside, the system becomes overwhelmed, causing basement sewage backups and untreated wastewater bypassing into the Cedar River.
The Point-of-Sale I&I Ordinance
On April 19, 2025, the Austin City Council adopted a Point-of-Sale Inflow & Infiltration Inspection Ordinance. Originally set to take effect July 1, 2025, the council voted 5-1 to delay implementation to March 1, 2026 after receiving pushback from property owners and realtors about clarity and notification.
Under this ordinance, every property connected to the public sewer must obtain a Certificate of I/I Compliance at point of sale. A licensed plumber must:
- Inspect sump pumps, roof drains, and seepage collection (beaver) systems
- Check that no clear water sources are connected to the sanitary sewer
- Inspect the building sewer line with date-stamped video
- Complete the official City of Austin Sump Pump Inspection Report
- Submit the form and video to City Hall for review
What the Inspection Covers
The official Sump Pump Inspection Report form has 11 questions that cover five key areas:
Exterior Grading
Is the ground sloping towards the building? Improper grading directs rainwater toward the foundation instead of away from it.
Roof Drains
Do roof drain downspouts go into the ground? If so, do they discharge to open air/storm sewer or improperly into the sanitary sewer?
Beaver Systems
Seepage collection (beaver) systems collect groundwater from the foundation. They must discharge into a sump pit, not into the sanitary sewer.
Sump Pit & Pump
The sump pump must discharge outside through rigid piping. Flex hoses or connections to floor drains are violations.
Building Sewer Line
For Point-of-Sale, a date-stamped video of the sewer line is required to check for cracks, root intrusion, and improper connections.
Photos & Documentation
Interior and exterior photos, location sketches, and signed inspection records by both the inspector and occupant.
Costs and Penalties
Free city inspections: The city's program (conducted by WHKS & Co.) is free to property owners. However, for the Point-of-Sale ordinance, most sellers hire a private licensed plumber at their own expense, typically $75-$200.
$100/month surcharge: Properties that have not been inspected receive a $100 monthly clear water surcharge on their utility bill until compliance is verified.
Repair costs: Minor fixes (redirecting a flex hose) can be under $100. Major work like installing a new sump pit and pump system runs $750-$2,000. Corrections can be completed before closing or funded through escrow.
How to Submit Your Inspection Report
Traditionally, plumbers fill out the paper form and deliver it to City Hall at 500 4th Ave NE, 2nd Floor. Now you can submit the form digitally:
Submit Your Austin MN Sump Pump Inspection Report Online
Fill out the digital form, attach your video link, and pay $3.99. A professional PDF is emailed to the city, to you, and to the property owner.
Go to the Digital FormAustin MN Inspection Timeline
- April 2018: City Council adopts sump pump inspection ordinance
- 2018-2024: City-wide inspections by area (SE, SC, SW, NE, NC, NW)
- April 19, 2025: Point-of-Sale I&I ordinance adopted
- July 7, 2025: Council votes 5-1 to delay to March 2026
- March 1, 2026: Point-of-Sale ordinance takes effect
Who Performs Inspections?
City program: WHKS & Co., the city's engineering consultant, performs free inspections during scheduled program periods. Inspectors carry WHKS identification badges, clothing, and vehicles.
Private plumbers: Property owners can hire any licensed plumber. For Point-of-Sale, a licensed plumber is required. The plumber completes the city's official form and submits it.
Scheduling: No door-to-door inspections. Hours are 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. An adult occupant must be present. Contact City Engineering at 507-437-9950.