Private Property Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Program

In 2022, over 180 letter agreements were compiled into contracts for sewer lateral rehabilitation work to repair broken pipe and to stop leaks.  In 2023, this work continues to rehabilitate building sewer laterals from sewer mains. 

Additional information on this Sewer Lateral Work to reduce infiltration can be found on the below.

Thank you for your interest in the City's sewer lateral project in your area. If you have any questions please call (262) 236-2937 or email kdriscoll@ci.mequon.wi.us.

1. Policy for Private Property Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program

2. Clear Water Compliance Form

3. Study Report to Prioritize Areas for Inflow and Infiltration Reduction (2019)

4. Public Information Meeting March 15, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

5. Survey for Sewer Lateral Work - Private Property Infiltration and Inflow Reduction Program 

6. Residential Sewer Lateral Program

7. Foundation Drain Disconnection (New Sump Crock and Sump Pump Installation)

As a result of the July 2010 floods and increased pressure to reduce sanitary by-passes caused primarily by infiltration and inflow (I/I) into the sanitary sewer system, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) created a policy to reduce I/I.  I/I is storm water (non-sanitary) entering the sewer system through defective pipes, pipe joints, connections or leaking manholes,  foundation drains, connected downspouts and catch basins. With the assistance of the representatives from the 28 member MMSD communities, a program was developed to provide these communities with an economic incentive to reduce I/I from the privately owned portion within their sanitary systems.

The City controls how the funds are used (within the eligible cost guidelines) and City staff is responsible for managing the work (with assistance from MMSD).  The following is a brief summary of the policy:

Requirements

• Volunteer for Clear Water Compliance Inspection
• Disconnection of Foundation Drain from sanitary lateral
• Disconnection of Sump Pump from sanitary lateral
• Disconnection of Down Spout from sanitary lateral

Eligible Costs

• Lateral repair or replacement
• Design, planning, investigation costs (these costs subject to a 20% spending cap)
• Public education and outreach costs
• Other measures to cost-effectively remove I/I (grouting)

Funding

• Program funding allocated annually to each Municipality based on equalized value
• Unused allocation will be carried forward from year to year, during the term of the Program
• No cost match required from Municipality or home owner

This program assists the City in addressing the existing deficiencies in the system.  The City’s sanitary system would benefit from this program by reducing flows within its system and reducing loads on its lift stations.  City residents would benefit from the improvement of their laterals and increased protection from basement back-ups.  The City is responsible for maintaining or reducing its flows to the MMSD.  This will assist the flow reduction effort by becoming part of the City’s long-term CMOM and maintenance program.