Cost Reimbursement Programs

As the City works to reduce instances of inflow and infiltration (I&I) of stormwater into the public sewer lines, it is also important to acknowledge the role private lines play into the larger system.  The rehabilitation of the public sewer system and removal of private sources of I&I will take many years, most likely decades. During this time, property owners of buildings subject to sewer backups caused by heavy rain may continue to experience these issues.

In an effort to reduce the frequency and duration of sewer overflows or backups during heavy rain events, the Sewer Utility has developed cost reimbursement programs to assist property owners with possible solutions. The removal of these defects will reduce the instance of I&I, “freeing up” capacity in the sewer mains to avoid additional and/or future basement backups and sewer overflows. The sanitary sewer system is designed to carry only wastewater.

Any and all stormwater runoff that makes its way into the sanitary sewer system contributes to backups and overflows.  Removing stormwater runoff from the sanitary sewer system creates a more efficient sanitary sewer system and in the long term will save the ratepayers money.