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- Since the footing drain disconnection program began in 2001, disconnection projects have been completed for 1,311 homes, including 99% of the highest priority homes. Approximately 1,600 homes in the five neighborhood study area have been notified of the need to disconnect footing drains from the sanitary sewer. Work is planned to continue in these five neighborhoods through 2013.
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What are footing drains?
Footing drains are small (4-inch diameter), perforated drainage pipes located near the foundation of your house. They are designed to divert water away from the home's foundation. For most homes constructed before the 1980s, footing drains are connected directly to the sanitary sewer, allowing water from the footing drains to flow to the sanitary sewer system along with the home's wastewater. The sanitary sewer system accepts wastewater from individual homes and businesses and conveys it to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
Why disconnect footing drains?
Footing drain connections to the sanitary sewer system are not generally a problem under dry conditions. However, during wet weather events, an excessive amount of stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system and causes a mix of rainwater and wastewater to back up into the basements of homes.
In 2001, the City mandated a citywide footing drain disconnection program for homes built before 1982, beginning with five neighborhoods in Ann Arbor where basement back-ups were most severe. The City reimburses homeowners for completing the footing drain disconnection.
How does footing drain disconnection affect the environment?
Disconnecting footing drains prevents stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system and ensures the WWTP will have enough capacity to properly treat wastewater before it is discharged to the Huron River. Sending stormwater, which does not require treatment, to the WWTP puts unecessary strain on the plant, consumes energy, and increases the risk of discharging partially treated wastewater into the river.
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Last Updated August 2009