MCES Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Program
What is Inflow/Infiltration?
Inflow and infiltration is clear water that enters the sewer system from a variety of sources.
- Infiltration occurs when ground-water seeps into sewer pipes through: cracks, leaky pipe joints and/or deteriorated manholes.
- Inflow, the much bigger problem, occurs in direct proportion to the amount of rainfall. Inflow is storm water that enters the wastewater system through rain leaders, basement sump pumps or foundation drains illegally connected directly to a sanitary sewer pipe.
What is the Inflow/Infiltration Surcharge Program?
The original program was recommended by the Council's I/I Task Force in 2004 and approved by theCouncil. The task force included representatives serving at large from 15 cities across the region and from Metro Cities. The program provided financial incentives for cities to reduce excessive I/I into the regional wastewater system from both public and private sources.
In 2009, the Council established a Demand Charge Task Force to develop recommendations to update the program. The new program will go into effect in January 2013.
- 2010 I/I Task Force Recommendations (pdf)
- I/I Surcharge Program Booklet (pdf)--Rationale for and methodology of the surcharge
- 2010 Municipal Grant Program
Inflow/Infiltration Tool Box
Tool Box (pdf)--Highlights possible programs and products as solutions for communities to reduce I/I.
Contact Information/Billing
Bills/charges/fees to residents are not sent by the Met Council; resident bills are coordinated by the individual resident's city.
- Property owners should contact their local government unit about charges, fees and other:
- City of Minneapolis Web site (main phone: 612-673-3000)
- City of St. Paul Web site (Public Works: 651-292-6600)
- Local government staff can contact Deb Rose via email.