How does raw sewage end up in the river?
Many communities use combined sewage overflow systems that combine storm sewers with sanitary sewers. During heavy rains or when snows thaw, the volume from the storm sewers overloads treatments plants and untreated sewage is discharged into the river. Part of the problem is that many of the cities along the Susquehanna are older, which means their infrastructure is older, making it difficult for treatment plants to handle the sewage loads. Also in growing communities, there is more sewage.
