A department of Johnson County, KS

Project Background and Objectives

Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) is working to reduce or eliminate excess storm water and groundwater from entering the sanitary sewer system in pilot areas of the Turkey Creek and Mission Main Service Areas. As part of that effort, JCW is conducting a pilot project that will provide more dependable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound wastewater service to our customers. During wet weather, this excess storm water and groundwater (referred to as infiltration and inflow or I/I) can contribute to basement flooding and sewer backups.

The project was initiated in 2009 as a result of ongoing efforts by JCW to effectively manage wet weather flows in the Nelson service area and is part of the most recent permit renewal process for the Nelson Complex. Results from the project will provide critical information for JCW’s future plans to continue to improve its levels of service for managing wet weather flows in the Nelson service area and respond to evolving regulatory requirements being established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The overall purpose of the project is to evaluate and determine a cost-effective strategy for removing I/I to reduce sewer overflows, basement flooding, and sewer backups in the entire Nelson Complex Service Area. I/I can enter the sewer system through cracked or broken pipes, root penetrations, illicit connections, and other deficiencies within the system. As a result, construction activities on this project will include rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer mains and private service lines, and disconnection of sources within buildings and on private property.