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r <br /> collection system at points of direct connections to the system, such as sump pump connections, <br /> roof drain connections, foundation drain connections and defects in the sewer system. <br /> Infiltration is comprised of groundwater that enters the sewer system through cracked and broken <br /> pipes, leaky joints and manholes. <br /> Finding and eliminating inflow is the most cost effective reduction method because a substantial <br /> amount of water can be quickly removed from the sanitary system. Common methods for <br /> finding inflow are smoke testing, televising of sewers and laterals, sump pump inspections and <br /> foundation drain inspections. Inspections for sump pumps and foundation drains require in- <br /> house inspections. <br /> The City has televised sed and smoke tested the public sewers in many areas of the City that are <br /> experiencing I&I problems. The televising and smoke testing <br /> work have found some areas of <br /> I&I but have not reduced the I&I to a level that removes the threat of sanitary sewer overflows <br /> and basement backups <br /> A typical residential neighborhood with an 8" sanitary sewer is designed to handle 340 gallons <br /> per minute, using Illinois-EPA standards it is possible to connect over 450 homes to an 8" sewer. <br /> Atypical residential sump pump discharges between 10 to 30 gallons per minute. 17 homes with <br /> sump pumps discharging an average of 20 gallons per minute into the sanitary sewer will <br /> consume the entire capacity. The City Code states that no connection can be made to the <br /> sanitary sewer that allows storm and groundwater into the sewer; however, many homes were <br /> built before the code was established or enforced. <br /> The City Code Chapter 74, Section 17, PROHIBITIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON USE OF <br /> THE PUBLIC SEWERS, states: <br /> (a) Generally. No person(s) shall: <br /> (2) Make a connection to a sanitary sewer which will permit surface or storm water <br /> drainage into said sewer. <br /> (3) Make connection of roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, area way drains, or <br /> other sources of surface runoff or ground water to a building sewer, building drain or <br /> other pipe which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public separate or <br /> combined sanitary sewer. <br /> The Public Works Department looks to follow the lead of other communities by reducing I&I <br /> though in-house sump pump inspections. The program does not intend to reprimand property <br /> owners for connections that are made to the sanitary sewer but is geared to remove all <br /> connections that violate the City Code. The program will educate the property owner that the <br /> removal of sump pumps will help their neighbors and community by reducing basement <br /> backups, the release of untreated sewers into our lakes and streams, sewage transportation and <br /> treatment costs, and state and federal violations. <br /> Entry into Private Property <br /> The inspection of sump pumps requires the professional service provider to enter private <br /> property to inspect basements and crawl spaces for sump pumps and determine the discharge <br /> location. This program will be a joint effort between the City and the Professional Service <br /> Provider to contact the property owners and schedule a convenient time for inspection. <br /> Page 2 <br />