Title
Proposed Sanitary Sewer Backflow Preventer Program
Brief Description: Staff will be present to discuss a sanitary sewer backflow preventer program, as requested by Council.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
During the August 8th storm, approximately 70 residential single-family homeowners in Hudson reported sanitary sewer backups in their homes. To mitigate the possibility of future sewer backups, City staff researched the feasibility of a Sanitary Sewer Backflow Preventer Reimbursement Program. A backflow valve, also known as a backwater valve, or sewer backup valve, is a one-way device installed on the sanitary sewer pipe connecting a home to the County sewer system. When properly maintained by the owner, it prevents sewage from flowing back into the house from the sewer mainline, especially during heavy rainfalls that can overwhelm a sanitary sewer network or other unpredicted failures in the sewer system.
If approved, this temporary reimbursement program would reimburse eligible homeowners for purchasing & installing a backflow valve on their sanitary sewer lateral in their basement, which would improve the protection of their homes from sewage overflow.
Further, Summit County requires any new backwater valves to be installed inside the structure within the basement, for easy maintenance by the owner. Houses with no basement would not be eligible.
The City staff contacted several local plumbers to review costs associated with backflow preventer installations. The estimated cost for the purchase and installation of a gate-style backflow valve is approximately $10,000 per household, plus County permitting fees. The actual installation cost may vary based on factors like the preventer type, accessibility, size of sewer line, and any necessary basement renovations that may make it difficult to install the device. The administration requests that we do not pay for any cost above the backflow device and the installation in an open basement. All other costs shall be the owner’s responsibility. Summit County Building Department fees for permits are estimated at $660 per installed and are subject to change in the future. Therefore, the total cost to each homeowner would approximately $10,660. The City Administration recommends a cap of $10,000 for the cost to install and purchase a backflow preventer, with a reimbursement of 50% for the costs ($5,000 total) of only the installation and purchase of the backflow preventer, and all other costs shall be at the owner’s expense.
Additionally, if Council wishes to perform this type of program, the City Administration would recommend that it be approved for up to 8 months (250 calendar days) following Council approval of the legislation. The Public Works Department would administer this program within their department.
Timing Considerations
If Council would like to proceed with offering this program, staff will return to Council with legislation at the October 22, 2024, Council workshop.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
X Supplemental Appropriation Required (Total cost would be: $747,000 is the total cost to appropriate if all the owners install the device. Admin. would request $150,000 be appropriated and we can return to Council in the future for more funds, if needed.)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
If Council would like to offer this program to the affected homeowners, the City Administration recommends a reimbursement of 50% for the cost ($5,000 total) of only the installation and purchase of the backflow preventer, and all other costs shall be at the owner’s expense.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Kevin Powell, Public Works Director
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer