Crews Cleanup Overflow on South Side, Do Not Flush Rags, Wipes
A sanitary sewer is back in working order after City crews quickly cleaned up an overflow on the City’s south side. Rags clogged the sewer and caused an overflow.
The City of Madison Engineering Division responded to a reported Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) at 5:53 p.m., Jan. 21, 2026, on the 200 block of Nygard Street. The overflow was spotted coming out of a City sanitary sewer access structure (manhole) SAS 5063-016.
The City of Madison Engineering Division responded immediately, and they arrived on site at 6:20 p.m., Jan. 21, 2026. Because of the quick response, minimal sewage (an estimated volume of 400 gallons) overflowed onto ground surface around the manhole. There was no concern for public health safety.
Rags clogged the sewer and caused the overflow. Crews removed the rag blockage in the City sewer at 6:45 p.m., and the sewer flowage was back to normal.
No wastewater migrated outside of the immediate area.
Please do not flush rags, flushable wipes in the City of Madison.
It is part of Wisconsin State Law to report sewer blockages and overflows.
This notice is provided in compliance with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Administrative Code and the City of Madison’s Capacity, Maintenance, Operations & Management (CMOM) Program.
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