Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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- What is a sewer overflow?
A sewer overflow is a discharge of raw sewage mixed with storm water that overflows from a sewer into local streams and rivers. Overflows occur when there is too much wastewater for the sewer system, pump station, or treatment plants to handle, such as after heavy rainstorms. To relieve pressure in the system and minimize backups into homes and businesses, excess sewage is discharged into local waterways. State and federal regulations require the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) and sewer agencies across the country to reduce overflows and meet Clean Water Act requirements.
- Why are overflows a concern?
Sewage overflows affect the quality of water in our streams and rivers, can impact public health, and are aesthetically unpleasant.
After heavy rains, many Hamilton County streams and rivers do not meet Ohio state standards for recreational activities such as wading or swimming. Habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms is also degraded.
Overflows are a main source of E. coli bacteria in local water. If you swallow water with high levels of E. coli, you can become ill. Raw sewage can also contain viruses and other pathogens.
Sewer overflows also often result in odors and leave unsightly sewer debris behind.
- Are we required to eliminate sewer overflows?
There are different requirements for managing overflows from the combined sewer system and overflows from the sanitary sewer system. The volume coming from CSOs in Hamilton County is much greater than from SSOs; however, regulations are more stringent for SSOs since sanitary sewers are not supposed to release untreated sewage into the environment at all. Our goal is to eliminate SSOs and significantly reduce CSOs by implementing affordable controls.
- What is a combined sewer?
A combined sewer is a large diameter sewer that carries both storm water and sanitary sewage (wastewater from your drains and toilets) to a treatment plant for treatment.
In Hamilton County, combined sewers are generally found in older portions of our community, like the City of Cincinnati. They comprise about 40% of our current sewer system and date back to nearly 180 years old in parts.
During heavy rains, combined sewers are often filled beyond their capacity. To relieve pressure on the sewer line and prevent widespread flooding and sewage backups into buildings, combined sewers were designed to overflow directly into local streams, creeks, and rivers through outfall structures known as combined sewer overflows or CSOs. At the time they were built, CSOs were an acceptable way of handling excess flows, but their environmental impacts are now controlled under the present regulations of the federal Clean Water Act.
By the mid 20th century, combined sewers were largely discontinued in favor of separated sanitary sewer and storm water lines.
- What is a sanitary sewer?
Sanitary sewers are small diameter pipes that are not designed to carry storm water. In Hamilton County, sanitary sewers are commonly found in newer areas of Cincinnati and suburban "bedroom communities" that surround the city. Storm water is handled by a separate line.
During heavy rains, however, storm water can enter sanitary sewer lines through manholes, defective sewer pipes, and illicit connections (e.g., downspout connected directly to the sanitary sewer). If the sanitary sewer line is filled beyond capacity, it will overflow through sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) relief structures (constructed as part of manholes) or through manhole lids into local waterways, adjacent yards, and streets. SSOs are considered a greater danger to public health than a CSO, and therefore are not permitted under the Clean Water Act.
- Do other cities have sewage overflows?
Yes. The Hamilton County community is not alone in this problem. There are roughly 772 communities across the U.S. with aging combined sewer systems, according to the U.S. EPA.
These older, urban communities are mainly located in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions and the Pacific Northwest.
Like Hamilton County, many are under federal orders to resolve their sewer overflow issues. Regionally, these areas include Northern Kentucky and Louisville, Columbus and Toledo, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis.
- How much will the Project Groundwork cost?
Phase 1 (2009-2018) of Project Groundwork is estimated to cost about $1.145 billion (in 2006 dollars).
It includes the substantial completion of 45 construction projects by or before December 31, 2018 in Green, Springfield, and Symmes townships, the City of Cheviot, and 19 neighborhoods within the City of Cincinnati.
The Phase 1 projects and their schedules are stipulated in a "wet weather plan," which was conditionally approved by the U.S. and Ohio EPAs in June 2009.
Phase 2 (after 2018) is estimated to cost $2.1 billion (in 2006 dollars). It comprised of about 256 construction projects across Hamilton County.
- How much are my rates going to go up?
MSD expects sewer rates will continue to rise over the life of Project Groundwork. We will work to limit increases as much as possible. But, predicting rates five years from now – much less 15 or 20 years from now – is difficult. There is a lot of uncertainty. The economy, construction costs, the size of our customer base and inflation all are question marks. However, we will constantly look for the best solutions at the fairest price, keeping your safety – as well as your pocketbook – in mind.
- What are Consent Decrees?
Because resolving sewer overflows is a long-term project and can be very expensive, the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) began negotiating with the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Ohio in 1997 to develop an overflow reduction plan that would be supported by the government but also affordable for local ratepayers. This process resulted in a Global Consent Decree, which is an agreement among all parties about what will be accomplished and when, and is enforced and monitored by a federal judge.
- When will you start to fix overflows?
We have already begun. MSD has been concerned about overflows for several decades and has been continually improving the sewer system to keep raw sewage out of our waterways. In fact, since the mid-1990s, more than 40 overflow points in the system have been eliminated.
Since 2004, MSD has invested about $300 million in 71 wet weather projects, mainly focused on eliminating sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) such as #700, located along the Mill Creek in Reading.
- What is the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati?
The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD) manages the collection and treatment of about 184 million gallons of wastewater each day and actively maintains more than 3,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers. MSD currently operates seven major wastewater treatment plants and three smaller plants. MSD serves about 214,000 customers in 43 municipalities and townships in Hamilton County, including the City of Cincinnati. MSD is committed to continually maintaining and improving its wastewater collection and treatment systems for the betterment of both public and environmental health.
- How can I help improve water quality?
We need you to join us in solving the problem of raw sewage and pollution in our waterways. Everyone has a role: individual citizens, government, non-profit organizations, businesses, industry, and community groups. Here's how to help:
- Keep storm water out of the sewer system whenever possible through the use of green infrastructure (rain gardens, pervious paving, green roofs, rain barrels);
- Keep certain materials out of your sink drains, floor drains, toilet, or sewers; and
- Schedule a presentation on Project Groundwork in your community by contacting us at (513) 244-1300 or MSD.Communications@cincinnati-oh.gov
Find out more about ways you can help by clicking here