An official at the wastewater treatment plant in the town said the volume of rain resulted in surface water getting into the sewage system.
Despite some discoloration of the water coming up through people’s sump pumps and drain pipes, it is mostly rainwater coming from the sanitary sewers, said Jeff Ritter, chief operator at the sewage treatment plant and water pollution control center.
Ritter said he was unable to determine how many homes were affected Friday.
"I do know that, if your house was built before a certain time, they have the sewer laterals go underneath their basement slabs.
He said the problem may have been exacerbated in cases where residents have their sump pumps illegally connected to the sanitary sewers.
"The sump pump is supposed to go to the storm sewer," Ritter said.
He said the town’s sewer system has cracks in it and compromised spots where ground water can get in, especially in cases where there has been heavy rainfall.
You can have a brand new sewer system with only five houses hooked into it, if you have this much water come down, you’re going to get flooded," Ritter said.
The town of Porter, village of Youngstown, and the village and town of Lewiston contribute to the sewage treatment plant in the town.
Our storm sewers have not been able to convey the water fast enough.