Water in Bsmt-1st Time in 50yrs

I created a similar problem for myself. I removed some very old and well established sod which allowed water to penetrate to my very old and un dampprofed foundation. I have since: dampproofed the wall and arranged for downspouts in the area to be emptied at a distance from the wall.

TB

First look at the simple stuff like is the soil still sloped away from the house?

I would imagine that the problem stems from the fact that before you had compacted soil next to the foundation, and now you have a rather porous lateral backfill that channels water to the foundation wall. It may be that the foundation is at the low point of the porous "reservoir". Could be that an aggregate filled drainage trench is needed at the far end of the escavation.

hth bill

Is it sewer water?

I agree with Bill and Art. It's not unusual for newly excavated soil to allow water to penetrate a lot easier than undisturbed soil. It's also not unusual for it to settle and leave a nice depression for water to pool in.

First thing I would do is make sure surface water is being channeled away from the house. The soil should slope about 1/2" per ft away from the house. Make sure the gutters are working and water from the leaders is sent as far as practical away from the problem area.