During a recent government meeting, officials addressed ongoing issues with the city's sewer system, particularly concerning its capacity to handle rainwater. The discussion highlighted that while the sewer operates effectively under normal dry weather conditions, it struggles significantly during rain events.
Experts explained that the sewer system experiences hydraulic restrictions, leading to slow drainage. This situation is likened to trying to fit a larger volume of water into a smaller space, resulting in backups. The system is reportedly operating at about 70% capacity during dry conditions, but the influx of rainwater during storms exceeds its limits, causing flooding in some residential basements.
In response to these challenges, the city council has proposed the implementation of a sanitary backflow preventer program. This initiative aims to assist homeowners who have been affected by basement flooding, which is directly linked to the sewer's inability to manage heavy rainfall effectively. The meeting underscored the urgent need for solutions to enhance the sewer system's resilience against extreme weather events.