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1. Where does the Program currently apply?

Six areas are currently targeted for the Program. These areas have experienced basement backups and sanitary sewer overflows during heavy rains. See Maps

2. What kinds of things will the city pay for?

The inspections needed for this program are free (a $500 value). The City has prepared a fact sheet that summarizes what kinds of fixes will be paid for and what a homeowner might have to contribute. Fact Sheet

3. I see this is voluntary right now, but will it always be that way?

The City hopes to keep this as a voluntary and substantially subsidized program. However, two factors could impact this. First, the funding for the program, may be increased in the future, but there are no guarantees. Second, the USEPA has issued the City a legal order to reduce sanitary sewer overflows during large storm events. The effort required to accomplish this goal are undefined at this time, but the deadline to comply is the end of 2015. If studies by the City determine that the most cost-effective way to eliminate the overflows is through private property I/I reduction, a mandatory program may be necessary in order to avoid EPA fines.

4. I don’t have any issues with the sewer system. Why should I bother participating?

People who do not have basement backups may not realize how big an impact that leaks in their own sewer lateral can have on their neighbors. If just 60 homes had leaks of 5 gallons per minute into the sewer during a rain storm, very quickly it could become enough to overwhelm the sewer and risk a sewer backup for a downstream neighbor. Furthermore, leaking laterals are defective laterals that could crack further, collapse, or fail in the near future, and usually at the most inopportune time. This can result in significant costs for repair, not to mention the mess it can create in the basement. To protect your lateral from failing and to keep water out of your neighbor's basement in the future.

5. How does the inspection process work?

Please see document. Inspection Process

6. How do I sign up?

The easiest way is to call Brown and Caldwell at (414) 273-8800 to sign up and schedule the appointment for inspection. Please fill out the Permission to Inspect Form and provide it to the inspector at the time of inspection. You can also send a completed copy of the Permission to Inspect Form to City Hall - Attention: Tom Grisa and he will forward it to Brown and Caldwell. They will then contact you to schedule the appointment.