Creston Discusses Stormwater Infiltration Into Sewer System

CRESTON – Creston village trustees discussed ongoing problems with stormwater entering the village sewer system during Tuesday night’s meeting. Officials said more than 100,000 gallons of additional water was sent to Rochelle for treatment during one week in September after about six inches of rain. The village normally sends about 7,000 to 8,000 gallons a day, but one recent day saw about 24,000 gallons. Officials believe much of the excess water is entering through manholes, pipe connections and other points where stormwater can reach the sewer system. Several manholes have previously been repaired with grout and epoxy, but officials said some repairs may only last four or five years. The village has repaired about 18 manholes in recent years and plans to begin inspecting manholes after rain events to identify additional leaks. Officials also plan to compare the village’s pumping records with the amount of wastewater sent to Rochelle to estimate how much water is entering the sewer system.