We have leaking sewer lines and pipes.
What does that mean? It means that storm water gets into our sewer system through leaky pipes.
— LFUCG Division of Sanitary Sewers, 2006
So, our wastewater plants end up treating sewage AND storm water.
— Neighborhood Association Sanitary Sewer Report, 1999
When we have a lot of rain, our treatment plants operate at over 100% capacity. Pressure in sewer pipes build up, and often explode, dumping raw sewage near, or sometimes in, people’s homes.
— LFUCG Sanitary Sewer Oversight Committee, 2006
As you can imagine, this is a huge health hazard.
— Neighborhood Association Sanitary Sewer Report, 1999
On the other hand, when we are in a drought, our treatment plants operate below maximum capacity.
— LFUCG Sanitary Sewer Oversight Committee, 2006
Last year alone, Lex Call received 2,873 calls reporting sewer and storm water problems.
— 2005 Lex Call phone call database
Simply stated, we cannot safely support new development with a system that is crippled with fluctuating treatment capacities and leaky pipes. In good conscience, the city must address these problems before masking them with additional sewer lines and new wastewater treatment facilities.
