HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-08-2006 Clarification of Downspout Disconnect Program �
t
3
Office of the Mayor
MEDIA RELEASE
Monday,May S, 2006
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564
Jason Durr, Division of Engineering 235-9251
Clarification of Downspout Disconnect Program
Information was recently distributed in the Water Works bill, regarding South Bend's
Downspout Disconnect Program. This program is a free service, offered by the City,to
disconnect older residential downspouts from the City's sewer system. Unfortunately, some of
the wording suggested to residents that their downspouts were disconnected improperly or that
they are in violation of City ordinance, when, in fact,they are not. We apologize for the
confusion and assure residents that the forms were intended only as a courtesy for those residents
who still need to have their downspouts disconnected from the sewer system. Residents who
would like to participate in the free, voluntary Downspout Disconnect Program are invited to
contact the Division of Engineering at 235-9251 or visit
www.southbendin.gov/doc/BPW Downspout Disconnect Indemnification.doc.
Downspouts on many older homes connect directly to the City's sewer system, causing
sewers to receive both waste and rain water. A single residence can deposit as much as 27,000
gallons of rain water to the system each year. During heavy rainfall and melting snow, combined
sewer overflow can cause flooding, sewer backup into basements, and odors that escape into the
air through downspouts rather than remaining underground.
The Downspout Disconnect Program is part of the City's Clean River/Healthy
Neighborhoods initiative to reduce sewer backups and overflows and help build a Clean City.
Residents can determine if they need a downspout disconnection by checking to see if their
downspout runs straight into the ground to the sewer, instead dispersing water onto the lawn. If
a disconnection is necessary, the City will send a two-person crew to disconnect the downspout,
cap the entry pipe to the sewer, and redirect the downspout to release rain water into the yard,
where it is naturally absorbed into the ground. A disconnection can cost as much as $200,but
this service is offered at no charge to South Bend residents. Since the program began in 2004,
the City has disconnected 320 homes from the combined system, reducing our overflow volume
by 8.6 million gallons.
Working together we can help eliminate sewer backups and overflows. If you have a
downspout connected to the sewer system, please call 235-9251 to obtain an application/
indemnification form, or visit our website at
www.southbendin.gov/doc/BPW Downspout Disconnect Indemnification.doc. The form
should be faxed to 574/235-9171 or mailed to:
Board of Public Works
227 W. Jefferson, 13a'Floor
South Bend, IN 46601
- 30 -