05-18-2005 Free Downspout Disconnection Program Provided by the City of South Bend

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FREE DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION PROGRAM PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF ... Page 1 of 1 � v%• 'Building a 21St Century City " ' rs Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM: FOR RELEASE: Office of the Mayor Wednesday, May 18, 2005 FREE DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION PROGRAM PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND Mayor Stephen J. Luecke announced that the City will be offering a Free Downspout Disconnect Program this summer. Last year, the program was successful in disconnecting the downspouts of 200 homes in South Bend. The Department of Public Works, Division of Engineering is again providing this "environmental friendly" service for the residents of South Bend. A downspout disconnection can cost as much as $150, but it is being offered at no charge to residents who live in homes with downspouts that go directly into the ground and connect to the sewer system. "I encourage residents to take advantage of this program which is again being provided by our Division of Engineering," stated Mayor Luecke. The City of South Bend utilizes a "combined sewer system" in many areas of the City. When older homes were built, downspouts emptied rain water directly into the sewer system and as a result, sewers received both waste water and rain water. Consequently, heavy rainfalls and melting snow can cause flooding, sewer backup into basements, and sewer odors that escape into the air through downspouts rather than remaining underground. To alleviate this nuisance in homes and in city streets, residents are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment for a downspout disconnection. After a resident makes an appointment, the City will send a two-person crew to disconnect the downspouts, cap the entry pipe to the sewer, and redirect the downspout to release water into the yard. This water is then naturally absorbed into the ground. The Downspout Disconnection Program is a partnership between the City and the community. Working together we can eliminate backups and overflows. By taking action today, residents can avoid sewer sanitation problems. Residents are encouraged to call the Division of Engineering today, at (574) 235-9251 to schedule a free disconnection. Contact: Jason Duff, P.E, Public Works, Division of Engineering, 235-9251 Back I City Home Page I City Directory I Site Map I Search Go powered by FreeFind Created by the City of South Bend Department of Information Technologies. Copyright©2005 City of South Bend.All rights reserved. http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/051805 downspout.htm 1/13/2006