Results-driven recognition received with honor at SDD Feb 2026 Strong infrastructure and environmental stewardship don’t happen by accident — they are the result of disciplined operations and smart long-term investment. The Sanitary District of Decatur is being recognized at both the national and state levels for exactly that approach, earning two prestigious honors that […]
Every Drop Counts: How Wastewater Treatment is impacted by Drought A Drier Winter Means Every Flush Counts The holidays are a time for family, celebration, and plenty of home cooking. From gravy to green bean casserole, those festive meals can leave your kitchen (and your drains) working overtime. But this year, there’s another reason to […]
Listening Is Part of the Job: Why SDD Surveys Matter At the Sanitary District of Decatur (SDD), protecting public health and the environment isn’t just about pipes, pumps, and treatment processes—it’s also about maintaining a clear, two-way conversation with the people we serve. Surveys are one of the most effective tools we use to keep […]
From Recognition to Results: How the Sanitary District of Decatur Delivered for Residents in 2024 In 2024, the Sanitary District of Decatur (SDD) reached new milestones in operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and public service. The District was honored to receive the 2024 Plant of the Year Award from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control […]
Pay Now or Pay a Lot More Later: The Importance of Sewer Maintenance By: SDD Engineering Staff A classic oil filter commercial highlighted the significance of routine maintenance, particularly the necessity of keeping engine oil and filters clean. That commercial’s iconic tagline was, “You can pay a little now, or pay a LOT later.” The […]
Safety: More than just a practice, it’s a culture at SDD By Kent Newton On Friday, July 29, 1983, a pipe at the bottom of a 20-foot-deep dewatering pit needed to be opened. The procedure was routine but not without risk. A sanitary district employee needed to climb down a ladder, maneuver over some […]
Understanding Property Taxes: How They Are Used To Benefit Residents In Illinois, local governments decide how much money they need to collect from taxes to fund community services, with different limitations depending on the type of government. This request for money is called a tax levy. Property taxes help pay for direct and indirect services […]
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and indulgent meals. From golden turkeys to creamy casseroles, these festive feasts leave us with full stomachs—and often, leftover fats, oils and cooking grease (FOG). While it may seem harmless to pour grease down the sink for a quick cleanup, this habit can lead to serious consequences […]
Odor control is a significant challenge for the Sanitary District of Decatur and every wastewater treatment facility in the country. Getting sewage to the treatment plant and removing contaminants is vital for safeguarding public health and the environment but can cause concentration of unpleasant odors that naturally occur along the way. Understanding the origins of […]
A New Chapter for the Sanitary District of Decatur: Modernizing for the Future Being over 100 years old is a pretty amazing milestone but getting here has taken careful planning and knowing when to adapt to serve the people of Macon County responsibly for that long. That’s why I’m excited about the future and a […]
Kent Newton- SDD Executive Director If you’re in the market for a good-paying career that offers great benefits and the chance to make a real difference, then the Sanitary District of Decatur (SDD) is the place for you. Not only do we offer competitive salaries, but we also provide comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance. […]
Kent Newton- SDD Executive Director Watersheds are vital natural resources, serving as the lifeblood of ecosystems and communities alike. However, they face numerous challenges, including excessive amounts of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Excessive nutrients can lead to harmful algal blooms, degraded water quality, and threats to aquatic life. To address these and other environmental […]