Q. How can clean water be a problem?

A look at the City’s two sewer systems will help us understand the problem. One type of sewer is the sanitary sewer, which directs household wastewater from sinks, toilets, and baths to a wastewater treatment plant where pollutants are removed. The other type of sewer is the storm sewer system, which is designed to direct stormwater and surface water runoff directly into our lakes, streams, and rivers.

When it rains, water that should be channeled into a storm sewer system can be misdirected. Water from ground surface runoff, roofs, foundation drains, and sump pumps flows directly into the sanitary sewer system. This is called Inflow.

Ground water, from excess rain or high water tables, leaks into the sanitary sewer system through old or defective pipes and manholes. This is called Infiltration.

Inflow and Infiltration is clean water that should go to the storm sewer system, not the sanitary sewer system. This is when clean water becomes a big problem.

An average home can produce as much as 1400 gallons if inflow and infiltration from a typical rainstorm. During these times of inflow and infiltration, the amount of water can exceed the sanitary sewer and wastewater treatment plant capacities. Sanitary sewers back up, overflowing into streets and basements, causing obvious headaches for the homeowner. Raw sewage on the streets drains into the storm sewers polluting our lakes, streams, and rivers. The cost to receive and treat the clean water at the waste water treatment plant is unnecessary and raises utility bills.

Q. What is the City doing to stop Inflow and Infiltration?

The City of Warrenville has been working hard to fight the problem of Inflow and Infiltration. The City has performed computerized flow monitoring in the sanitary sewer system to determine the extent of Inflow and Infiltration throughout the City. The City has also conducted various field investigations to determine the sanitary sewer system’s condition and where it is susceptible to Inflow and Infiltration. Last summer the City continued its investigations and will performed repairs and modifications to remove Inflow and Infiltration from the sanitary sewer system.

Q. What is the City doing to help property owners stop inflow from their homes?

The most important action a property owner can take is to stop their sump pump from discharging to the sanitary sewer system. The City has implemented a Sump Pump Discharge Relocation Program, which provides financial assistance to property owners for relocation of sump pump discharges in residential homes and not-for-profit buildings.

Q. How does financial assistance work?

Property owners, targeted for inspections, who contact the City’s contracted inspector to schedule a free inspection will be eligible for financial assistance in relocating their sump pump discharge. Flyers with more information will be delivered to individual residences.

Q. If I participate in the program, what will I have to do?

When you call the Program Contractor, a Program Inspector will be scheduled to visit your property to determine if and how your sump pump discharges to the sanitary sewer system. An inspection report will be mailed to you. You will be responsible to relocate the discharge yourself or contact at least two contractors for estimates on the proposed work. Submit your material receipts or the two estimates to the Program Administrator and you will be notified of your financial assistance eligibility. You then decide with the contractor when the work will be done. After the work is complete, call the Program Administrator for a final inspection and the City will issue a check to you. Your Program Inspector will work closely with you every step of the way.

Q. What areas of the City are participating in the Program?

This cycle of the Program covers the Summerlakes neighborhood. However, only residential and not-for-profit property owners are eligible for financial assistance.

Q. What if I do not participate in the Program?

Under City Ordinances, it is illegal for a sump pump to be connected to the sanitary sewer system. It is the City’s intention to visit all properties to determine whether a sump pump discharge is connected to the sanitary sewer system. If a connection is found, the property owner may be subject to fines in accordance with City Ordinances.