The City of Chicago has recently completed a project designed for the cohesiveness of the sewer system. The Cleveland Corridor Project is the largest undertaking- contained within a $32 million stormwater relief program- completed to date. The design includes the installation of a new storm sewer with a 72” main line along Cleveland Street and Monroe Street, substantially reducing the flood risk to many neighborhood homes, as well as greatly improving the drainage within the residential area. This is a regional flood detention project which will aid in lessening the volume of storm water in the local area. The nearby city of Wheaton is also making improvements to their sewer structures with the rehabilitation of the deteriorated underground infrastructure on a main thoroughfare within the city. When Wheaton’s sewer system becomes overburdened during a large rain event, wastewater can flow back into a residence’s sewer from the public sewer main. We know that when this happens, wastewater can enter your home by way of the lowest plumbing fixture- usually a floor drain or sink in the basement. In order to put a stop to this, the city has begun a Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program for single-family homes. Property owners may qualify for reimbursement of up to fifty percent, or up to $3,000, of the eligible costs of installing an overhead sewer to protect a basement from potential flooding.
Did you know? When a restrictor valve is installed in a storm water catch basin the device shrinks the pipe to channel and regulate water from the street to the main sewer line. During a heavy rain event, the smaller opening allows less water into the sewer system. The street acts as a temporary holding area for the rainfall. Excess water in the system will not force contaminated water back through homeowners’ private lines and into the home’s lowest spot – the basement.
