Why disconnect?
On Novermber 27th, 2001 the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances was changed to allow residents city-wide to disconnect their downspouts provided they meet certain criteria. The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District are encouraging owners to divert rain water from the City's combined sewer system. Taking rainwater out of the combination sewer will help prevent overflows into Lake Michigan.
Some homes can divert rainwater into their own yards provided they meet certain conditions. If an owner has been ordered to repair a downspout or a connection to the sewer system, that order must be complied with. Nothing in this option will relieve an owner from the burden of repairing a defective part of the plumbing system.
Extreme care should be taken when disconnecting an existing system to ensure that all the provisions of City of Milwaukee Code 225-4 are met. If a problem occurs later, such as icing of sidewalks, you could be required to reconnect the downspouts to the sewer system. Storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water services, well and private sewerage systems could be impacted by your actions. If you have any doubts before you proceed, please contact the City of Milwaukee Plumbing Section at (414) 286-3361.
What does the code say?
The Milwaukee Code of Ordinances basically sets 13 criteria to be met before a disconnection can occur. This code determines how long the discharge spout must be, in what direction it can point and how close to an adjoining property it can be located. The run-off water cannot create an icing condition across a right-of-way or adjacent to the lot line. The downspout hub must be sealed correctly to prevent explosive sewer gases, animals or water from entering or exiting the sewer system. If at a later time a problem develops, the owner may be required to reconnect. Review the whole code to learn about the 13 criteria.
A basic summary of the code says that the disconnected downspout cannot discharge less than 2 feet from the building. Any system that does is illegal, (i.e. green perforated roll out hoses or flip-up systems that do not automatically lower during a rain storm or water load.) The discharge point must be a minimum of 5 feet from any property line. In addition, the discharge point cannot cross into any street, alley or public way. The downspout must be parallel to or away from the nearest property line. A one inch concrete cap is required to seal. Other seals can be used with approval from the DNS plumbing inspection.
Who should not disconnect
Residents who already are connected to a separated system need not disconnect. The rainwater in those systems is not going into the combined sanitary system. To determine if you are hooked up to a separated system, call the City of Milwaukee Environmental Engineering Section at (414) 286-8162.
Do I HAVE to disconnect?
Not at this time. This program is completely voluntary. There are many benefits to disconnecting such as better water quality and improved flood control. It is the right choice if it works for you.
Do I have to disconnect the sump pump?
No. If you are required to connect to the sewer, then the sump system must remain connected as well.
What if I have a broken or damaged storm lateral?
If a property owner has a broken lateral there may be some options to disconnect. Such options are handled on a case by case basis.