Inflow and Infiltration

• Ensure your home’s downspout is disconnected from the sanitary sewer system and flowing properly towards the storm sewer

• Ensure sewer grates on your street are free from debris such as leaves and garbage to ensure storm water drains properly

• Use a rain barrel

The infographic below explains the difference between an incorrect and properly connected downspout.

Managing I&I is a large concern for municipalities, especially as extreme rainfall events continue to become more frequent and intense.

The Town of Essex’s Environmental Services department has a manhole inspection program that helps identify sources of infiltration and aid the department in conducting necessary repairs.

Areas of concern are further investigated utilizing CCTV camera work and may further investigate sources by performing smoke testing, which by utilizes a non-toxic, odorless smoke to identify sources of inflow.

As a result of the increasingly frequent and severe weather events related to climate change, the Town of Essex has implemented subsidy programs to assist homeowners to reduce the risk of basement flooding on their private property.

The Town is offering owners of residential dwellings (single family and duplex homes) the opportunity to receive a financial subsidy to disconnect downspouts, complete investigative camera work, install a sump pump and/or back-water valve (flood protection devices), and purchase a rain barrel.

Apply for a Subsidy

• https://inbound.envirosight.com/inflow-and-infiltration
• https://www.iclr.org/wp-content/uploads/PDFS/handbook-for-reducing-basement-flooding.pdf