Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Residential Sewer Lateral Maintenance Program Analysis

Prepared for:City of Milwaukee, Department of Administration,

Budget and Management Division

May 7, 2010

By:Caroline Ellerkamp, Erin Fifield, Amy Klusmeier, Julie K. Ruder,

and Erik R. Viel

Outline

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

IntroductionBackground & Research ApproachResearch Findings & Program GoalsProgram AlternativesRecommendationMMSD Private Property I/I Reduction Program

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Introduction

Why Laterals? Sanitary System Overflows Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) Environment and Public

Health Violations of State &

Federal Regulation

Sewer Laterals - Milwaukee

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Sewer Lateral Failure

Caused by a range of factors

Difficult to identify

Cost of Maintenance Inspection: $300 Repair: $5,000 +

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Which program should the city of Milwaukee implement to encourage residential property owners to maintain private property sanitary

sewer laterals?

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Research Question

Background

Milwaukee’s sewer system Private sewer laterals: 250,000 Residential laterals: 171,100 Laterals in need of repair: ?

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Background

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Monitors tributary sewer flows Can fine municipalities for high levels of I/I Issued Milwaukee an unofficial warning for I/I

violations Established a Private Property I/I Reduction Program

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Research Approach

Phase One: 78 Municipalities

44 Responded; 24 Lateral Maintenance Programs

56% Response Rate

Comprehensive Literature and Internet Research

Phase Two: 13 Municipalities

Research Findings

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13 cities, representing different program types In-depth understanding & innovative practices

Grant Insurance Loan Combination

Atlanta, GAFort Worth, TXRacine, WIMadison, WI

Davenport, IAFlorissant, MOPittsburgh, PA

St. Paul, MN Bryan, TX (Grant, Assessment)Knoxville, TN (Inspection, Loan)Pacifica, CA (Inspection, Grant)Plano, TX (Grant, CDBG)San Mateo, CA (Grant, Loan)

Research Findings

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• Funding Mechanism• Eligibility and Assistance Criteria• Implementation Strategy

Three Program Components

Program Goals

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Affordability

Political Feasibility

Effectiveness

Program Alternatives

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• Status Quo• Alternative 1: Insurance Program• Alternative 2: Loan Program

Status Quo

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Alternative 1: Insurance Program

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Alternative 2: Loan Program

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RecommendationAlternative 1: Insurance Program

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Affordability

Political Feasibility

Premium provides incentive; contractor list; education campaign

Fee increase = incremental change from status quo

Self funded; Spreads financial burden

Effectiveness

Recommendation

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Repair Cost$5,100

$2,000-6,000

Estimated Annual Repairs517

450-1200

Insurance Program: Estimated Annual Repairs

Revenue

• $20 annual fee on 142,578 residential water accounts = $2.85 million

Expenditures

• $50,000 annual allocation for education campaign

• Four hours of staff time per lateral at $29 per hour

Supplemental Program:MMSD Private Property I/I Reduction Program

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Program Components

• Limited, short-term funding

• Reimburses cost of lateral repair

• Requires 25% match contribution

• 2010 allocation for Milwaukee: $364,153

Supplemental Program:MMSD Private Property I/I Reduction Program

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Target High I/I Neighborhoods

Develop Baseline Analysis of Lateral Failure Rates

Conclusion

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

Maintaining water quality is essential to preserve the economic vitality, public and environmental health, and

aesthetic character and identity of Milwaukee.

Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs

For copies of report, email:

publications@lafollette.wisc.edu

Additional Information