By 1808Delaware
Water is entering Deer Run’s sanitary sewers during wet weather, Dublin has discovered. Now the investigtion has begun — where does it get in and what can be done about it?
An October 28 project update describes progress on a pilot intended to reduce unwanted groundwater and stormwater in the wastewater system. That extra water takes up capacity and can contribute to overflows and basement backups. It’s a nasty problem that needs addressed.
What the tests revealed
Smoke testing during the week of August 24 showed no signs pointing to what might be considered the suspected sources. According to the city, those results helped rule out downspouts, sump pumps and foundation drains within the pilot area. Camera inspections during wet weather nevertheless found substantial water entering public sewers and private service connections. Dublin and engineering firm EMH&T are identifying places where storm sewers cross sanitary sewers, with non-toxic dye testing planned to investigate further.
What homeowners would authorize
The city’s linked temporary right-of-entry agreement covers lining or grouting private sanitary sewer service laterals, along with inspection, cleaning, testing and restoration.
Under its terms, Dublin would pay for the pilot work and restore disturbed property as nearly as reasonably practicable to its previous condition. Except in emergencies, owners would receive reasonable advance notice. Access would normally be limited to reasonable daylight hours. City-funded work would not make the city the owner of a private lateral. The agreement leaves ownership and ongoing maintenance, repair and replacement responsibilities with the property owner.
Owners should review the entire document before signing. It also addresses pre-existing defects, releases of claims and limitations on liability, not simply permission to enter a yard.
A pilot with a wider purpose
Dublin plans to evaluate which repairs work best before using the findings to guide future sewer improvements. Residents can follow the project page for testing updates and advance notices.
