BWSC Downspout Disconnection Program

Downspout
Disconnection
Program
Who Disconnects the
Downspout and Who Pays?
Under the Downspout Disconnection Program,
homeowners may choose to allow a contractor hired
by BWSC to disconnect the downspouts at no cost to
the homeowner. Although it is not necessary for the
owner to be present during the disconnection procedure, the owner may request an appointment with the
contractor, and may also discuss the procedure before
any work is performed. Access into the building
interior is not necessary to complete the disconnection. If homeowners do not choose to allow BWSC's
contractor to perform the work, the owner must hire a
licensed plumber to disconnect the downspouts at the
owner's expense.
Boston Water and
Sewer Commission
Community Services Department
(617) 989-7000
Questions?
Concerns!
980 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02119-2540
www.bwsc.org
Comments.
BWSC thanks property owners for their cooperation
and participation in this program. It is vital that
homes are safe and protected from the risk of unnecessary flooding from improper sewer connections, and
BWSC and its customers can ensure this by working
together. In addition, participation in the program will
help BWSC comply with the laws and regulations
mandating this work.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
BWSC Community Services Department, at
(617) 989-7000
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Vincent G. Mannering
Executive Director
Did you know...?
Gargoyles found on old buildings, including
many in Boston, were originally used as
“fancy” cover-ups for downspouts.
Stormwater would drain through the
gargoyles’ mouth onto the ground below.
Boston Water and
Sewer Commission
Boston Water and
1/05
Boston Water and
Sewer Commission
Sewer Commission
Downspout Disconnection Program
Program Purpose
The purpose of Boston Water and Sewer Commission's
(BWSC) Downspout Disconnection Program is to
identify and disconnect those downspouts (also known
as roof leaders) that discharge stormwater into the
sewer system. The sewer system is designed to carry
wastewater from toilets, showers, dishwashers, etc., not
stormwater. This program is only available in selected
neighborhoods of Boston where downspouts have been
confirmed as discharging to the sewer system.
Why is this important?
Stormwater that enters the sewer system as inflow from
downspouts is transported to the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority's (MWRA) Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The MWRA assesses charges to
BWSC which are based mainly on the amount of flow
sent to Deer Island for treatment. The addition of
stormwater increases the flow from Boston, thereby
increasing operating costs.
During periods of heavy rainfall, excessive amounts of
stormwater in the sewer can overburden the system and
result in flooding of streets and homes. The excess flow
can also cause overflows into local waterways, which is
a violation of the Clean Water Act. Downspouts that
discharge to the sewer system are in violation of Massachusetts General Laws, the Massachusetts Plumbing
Code, and BWSC's Sewer Use Regulations.
How do homeowners benefit
from this program?
By eliminating as many sources of inflow as possible,
homeowners are protecting their properties from
possible sewer backups and overflows.
How does BWSC determine
which downspouts are connected
to the Sewer System?
BWSC conducts inspections of neighborhoods to
collect information regarding the types of downspouts
on each property. Some downspouts that discharge via
connections into the ground or through the building
foundation need further investigation, which involves a
dye test. A dye test involves pouring non-toxic dyed
water into the downspout. This causes sufficient water
flow to carry the dyed water from the downspout to the
pipes in the street. If the dye is then observed from an
opened sewer manhole on the street, the downspout
connection to the sewer system is confirmed.
Why must homeowners
disconnect their downspout?
This is an important program that directly impacts
property owners. It will:
• Reduce the amount of stormwater that currently
enters the sewer system, which can potentially cause
flooding during rainstorms.
• Bring homeowners into compliance with State Laws
and BWSC Sewer Use Regulations.
• Reduce the amount of stormwater being sent to the
Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Assist in controlling water and sewer rates for
BWSC customers.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Improper Connections
Proper Connections
Improper connections to the sanitary sewer
system, as seen in the graphic below, can
overburden the system and result in the
flooding of streets and homes, and
overflows to local waterways.
By removing excess flow from the sewer system,
the chance of sewer backups and overflows is
greatly reduced.