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Wet Weather Improvment Plan Sewer Overflows

Wet Weather Improvement Plan / Sewer Overflows 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 into local waterways. Overflows occur when there is too much wastewater for the sewer system 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 sent into local waterways. State and federal regulations require MSD and sewer agencies across the country to reduce overflows and meet Clean Water Act requirements.
Why are overflows a concern?
Sewer overflows increase the level of E. coli bacteria in our streams. E. coli is an indicator that human or animal waste and disease-causing organisms are in the water. Some E. coli in a waterway is natural. However, high levels have been linked to stomach cramps, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses among people who ingest or swallow contaminated water during recreation.
Are we required to eliminate sewer overflows?
There are different requirements for managing overflows from the combined sewer system (CSOs) and overflows from the sanitary sewer system (SSOs). 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 implement affordable controls for CSOs.
What is a combined sewer?
A combined sewer is a sewer that carries both storm water and sanitary sewage (wastewater from your drains and toilets) to a treatment plant for treatment. A combined sewer overflow (CSO) is a release of untreated wastewater from a combined sewer directly into the environment. Typically, this happens during a rainstorm.
What is a sanitary sewer?
A sanitary sewer is designed to transport only sanitary sewage (wastewater from your drains and toilets) to the treatment plant for treatment. A sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) is a discharge of raw, untreated sewage from this system into local waterways. Like CSOs, this typically happens during rainstorms.
Do other cities have sewage overflows?
Yes. Most cities in the United States are in the same situation as Cincinnati when it comes to sewer overflows. Most communities with combined sewer systems, like ours, are located in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Ohio has about 87 such communities, ranging from small, rural villages to large metropolitan areas like Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.
How much will the Wet Weather Program cost?
The estimated cost to implement the Wet Weather Program is approximately $1.99 billion (in 2006 dollars). This encompasses all costs related to implementing approximately 380 individual projects throughout MSD’s entire service area, which spans across most of Hamilton County. Projects will be completed in 34 different townships and municipalities. Within the City of Cincinnati itself, work will be done in more than 30 different communities. Program costs will be spread across the life of the Wet Weather Program. However, most work is required by the Consent Decrees to be completed by 2022.
How much are my rates going to go up?
MSD expects service rates will continue to rise over the life of the Wet Weather Program. We will work to limit increases at 10½ percent — or less. 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. Environmental Protection Agency, 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.
What is the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati?
The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati manages the collection and treatment of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater each day and actively maintains 3,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers that run through 44 municipalities and townships in Hamilton County. 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. You can help by:
  • Disposing of household chemicals and used oil properly, and not pouring them down the drain or down a storm sewer;
  • Inviting MSD to make a presentation to your civic association or neighborhood group;
  • Learning how you can reduce water use in your homes and businesses, and helping keep pollution out of the storm drains.