It’s predicted that 2 – 4 inches of rain will fall by the end of this weather event. As ditches and rivers rise, it may take longer for stormwater to drain through catch basins and storm sewers.
Some areas (1st Ward and parts of the 3rd and 4th Wards) of the city are served by combined sewers meaning that one pipe handles both wastewater and stormwater flow and the flow travels to the wastewater treatment plant to be treated.
In an effort to reduce sewer backups and combined sewer overflows, the city will sometimes install restrictor plates on the catch basin inlet pipes to prevent the sewer from being overwhelmed during heavy rain.
The water will temporarily pond in the street and slowly enter the sewer to prevent backups in houses. In general, water that sits for a few hours or a day is not a major problem.
Storm drains that are blocked by debris should be reported to the Public Works Department.
