Preventing Public Sewer Problems
We have been doing infrastructure renewal and rehabilitation each summer since 1988. (The year after we took over the collection system from the City of DeKalb.)
Where to Start?
Deciding which part of town to start in was done by dividing the collection system into drainage areas and measuring the amount of extra water coming from each sector during rainstorms. That flow-monitoring told us where the biggest leaks probably were.
We also have crews doing tests like dying, cross flooding, and smoke testing (described below) to find out what needs to be done in upcoming rehab projects. This process is called SSES for "Sewer System Evaluation Survey".
What's Been Accomplished?
The DeKalb Sanitary District has rehabilitated sewer main by lining, with a project each summer. Public sewer main repair work in all 24 identified drainage areas has been completed. Approximately 40% of manholes were rehabilitated and 20% of sewer segments were internally lined or otherwise repaired or replaced. Even in areas already covered, new situations demanding attention are constantly coming to light. These are prioritized for work in the future.
More to Come
Efforts to "tighten-up" the system will continue into the foreseeable future, so you'll often see us in your neighborhoods.
Judging Improvement
DeKalb Sanitary District conducts ongoing flow monitoring to assess how effective our efforts have been.