Sewer Operations

Sewer System

The majority of the Village of La Grange Park is served by a combined sewer system (CSO) which collects both domestic waste water and storm water runoff. Some sections of the Village have separate storm sewers. During a significant storm event flows could potentially exceed the capacity of the Village’s sewer system. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) developed the Tunnel and Reservoir Project (TARP) to relieve a combined sewer overflow. For more information go to the MWRD website.

Sewer Worker

Prevention

Public Works has several programs to maintain the Village sewer system and reduce blockages by implementing regular street sweeping, catch basin cleaning and using closed circuit television (CCTV) inspections. Despite these programs sanitary sewer backups may occur at any time. The number one sign of a sewer backup is flooding in the basement.

Street Flooding

Street flooding is often mistaken for sewer main blockage and backup. Rather a flooded street is the result of a blocked catch basin / street inlet usually occurring during a significant storm event. The heavy rains dump water and debris which are prevented from entering the sewer system and reaching a basement. Blockages may occur either in the homeowner’s private sanitary service line (resident responsibility) or in the public sanitary sewer system (Village responsibility).

City Responsibility

Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of the public portion of the Village’s sewer system:

  • Catch Basins
  • Manholes
  • Sewer Mains
  • Street Inlets

Property Owner Responsibility

The Property Owner is responsible from their residence’s sanitary system including the point where the home or business connects to the Village sewer main. General maintenance of your individual sewer line should include root intrusion prevention. A primary culprit for sewer backups in root intrusion into the property’s service line. If roots are suspected residents should call a certified plumber to determine the blockage.

Property Owner Responsibilities