The City of Wheeling is working to help reduce basement flooding in certain neighborhoods and will be asking residents to do their part in process by removing downspouts that are connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system.
Stormwater Coordinator Joe Smith, in conjunction with staff from the Water Pollution Control Division (WPCD), will kick off the Downspout Daylighting Pilot Program Monday in the Clator section of the City by going door-to-door between the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help educate residents on the best ways to separate their downspouts from the sewer system – a fairly simple process for most. These efforts, which will continue in that neighborhood through Aug. 6, were supposed to begin last year, but were put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The same process will be followed throughout the City in the near future.
Smith explained that Clator residents should have received a letter informing them of what will be occurring in the coming week.
“We will be providing information to residents on how to disconnect the downspouts and why it’s important for them, their neighbors and the City as a whole,” he said. “The removal of the downspouts from the system will bring residents back into compliance with the Stormwater Management and Surface Water Discharge Control ordinance. The connected downspouts that place stormwater discharge into the sanitary sewer system is a violation of this legislation.”
Some areas in the City consistently flood during heavy rains. Smith noted the main reason this occurs is because of the downspout tie-in to the sanitary sewer system.
“When the water coming through people’s downspouts flows into the sanitary sewer lines, it overwhelms the system, causing a backup that is often into residents’ basements. Diverting the stormwater will make a big difference,” he said.
Should residents have any questions or need to set up a certain time to meet with City staff, please contact the WPCD at 304-234-3874.
