Kasey Christensen, Superintendent
Cellular: (315) 694-0829
Email: watersewer@townofmilo.com
Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday, 6 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
For the delivery of parts and equipment:
1991 Second Milo Road
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Other items:
137 Main Street
Penn Yan, New York 14527
Important Information
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How to report a problem. For any problems with water service, please call the Water & Sewer Operator of the Town of Milo at (315) 694-0829 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The Town of Milo will not pay for anything that is not a Town problem. For example, frozen or broken lines, power supply problems, or installation problems, etc. are not covered. If someone is called out and it turns out not to be a Town problem, the homeowner will be billed for this call.
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Account or billing questions? If you have questions about your bill or account, please contact the Town Clerk at (315) 536-8911.
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Protecting your water system from freezing. The owner is responsible to protect his/her/their water system and the Town's water meter from freezing. The following informational brochure will help an owner protect this system: https://ecode360.com/MI1633/document/753245017.pdf
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Grinder pumps.
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What is a grinder pump? The following video explains what is a grinder pump: E/One Grinder Pump System Video [Note. A grinder pump is part of a low pressure sewer system.]
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Owner's guide. The manufacturer of the installed grinder pump provides a owner's guide that explains a number of important items. It is available by clicking this web link: Owner's Guide (Grinder Pump)
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Frequently Asked Questions. The manufacturer provided answers to frequently asked questions as it pertains to the operation, maintenance and other issues with the installed grinder pump. These FAQs can be read at the following web link: Grinder Pump FAQs
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What action(s) should be taken during a power failure (loss of electricity)? During a power failure, owners/occupants should significantly minimize water usage to prevent tank overflow as the pump requires electricity to operate. The tank has reserve capacity, but the alarm may activate until power is restored and the unit clears itself. Do not attempt self-repair; use generators only if equipped with a proper receptacle and it meets certain standards. Key actions to take during this type of event:
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Minimize Water Usage: Drastically reduce or stop using water (showers, laundry, dishwasher) to avoid overloading the tank.
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Do Not Disconnect Power: Avoid turning off the power to the pump unit, as it is designed to restart automatically.
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Alarm Management: If the high-water alarm sounds, it is likely due to the power loss. If the alarm remains on for more than an hour after power is restored, call for service.
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Safety Check: If a neighbor's alarm is ringing and they are not home, report it, but do not try to investigate or repair the unit yourself.
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Post-Power Restoration: Once power returns, the system will automatically restart, though it may take a few minutes for the pump to reduce the wastewater level to normal.
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What action(s) should be taken when the alarm activates? When an E/One grinder pump alarm sounds (red light/buzzer), it indicates a high-water level, usually due to high usage or a pump issue. Immediately stop all water usage (showers, laundry, dishes) to avoid a backup, silence the alarm, check breakers, and wait 15–30 minutes to see if the system clears.
Immediate Action Steps:
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Silence the Alarm: Press the "Silence" button located on the bottom or side of the alarm panel/box. The red light will likely remain on until the level drops.
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Stop Water Usage: Immediately cease using showers, dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets to prevent an overflow.
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Check Power: Verify the breaker for the grinder pump in your home’s electrical panel hasn't tripped.
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Wait and Reset: If the alarm is caused by a temporary overload (e.g., long shower), the pump may clear the water in 15–30 minutes, turning the light off.
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If these action(s) do not resolve the issue, please contact the Superintendent at the contact information provided herein.
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How to winterize a grinder pump. Winterizing an E/One grinder pump for 100% freezing protection involves flushing the system with clean water, running it to remove sewage, and adding a minimum of 10 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze to the tank to prevent ice damage in case of power failure. Keep the power on if the house is occupied; if seasonal, use antifreeze and consider insulating the lid. [Note. The owner is responsible to protect the grinder pump and pressure sewer lateral from freezing.] Therefore, please take the following steps for seasonal / long-term winterization:
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Flush the System: Run clean water (e.g., fill and drain a bathtub) into the system to wash out all solid waste.
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Pump Down: Press and hold the "run" button on the control panel for 30–60 seconds to ensure the tank is empty, or wait for the pump to turn off automatically.
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Add Antifreeze: Pour a minimum of 10 gallons of non-toxic, RV-type antifreeze into the pump chamber, via a home sink or toilet.
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Power Down (Optional): If the home is completely vacant, you may turn off the power to the pump at the breaker.
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Insulate the Lid: Protect the top of the tank from freezing using insulation or covering it with a trash bag filled with debris.
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Department Forms and Standards
The forms and standards for this department are available at https://ecode360.com/MI1633/documents/Misc._Documents. They will be under "Sewer and Water".