Basement Backflow Device Co-Pay Program

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INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Long -Term Control Plan 1. Jlayor Pete Buttigie Copy Eric Horvath, Director of Public Works From Kieran Fahey Subject Basement Back-up Program Date August 17, 2016 When sewer systems get overloaded during heavy rains they can overflow into our rivers and also back-up into basements. There were 207 sewage basement back-up events in South Bend in 2015. In -home devices exist that can prevent a back -flow from the sewer system entering basements. Essentially they only allow flow in one direction, as per this diagram: "PROVED hoard of Public Works Simple Backwater valve access cover Swing Check (Sometimes known as a "flapper") access cover Swing Check (Sometimes known Outlet as a "flapper") Inlet side "Flapper" shown in closed position. Inlet side "Flapper" shown in open position. Based on feedback solicited via the NACWA (National Association of Clean Water Agencies) community regarding the usefulness of such devices I believe that South Bend should consider a Basement Valve Co -pay Program. The City would pay a percentage of the cost, up to a predefined limit, for residents to have a basement valve installed. Advantages: Health and safety: Exposure of residents to harmful pathogens will be reduced;