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Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) remain a key problem across the Great Lakes region.  CSOs occur when pipes carrying both sanitary sewage and rainwater overflow into streams, rivers and lakes during heavy rains. The Great Lakes account for 70 percent of CSOs in the United States, according to the International Joint Commission. Detroit is the leading [...]

Did you know that you can help the Gulf of Mexico without traveling beyond your driveway? Our region is part of the Mississippi River watershed, an area of land that drains rain water and river water into the Gulf of Mexico. When it storms here, rainwater carries pollutants like fertilizer from farms and lawns, motor [...]

Leaf litter and grass clippings can clog storm sewers and contribute to combined sewer overflows and runoff pollution that taints the Great Lakes. In Wisconsin, for example, runoff is a leading source of water quality problems, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency points to runoff as a problem degrading or threatening 40 [...]

Fats, oil and grease – “FOG” – that go down the drain can cause major problems in our sewer systems.  These substances form thick layers inside sewer lines that can clog pipes and cause blockages.  FOG clogs can cause raw sewage overflows, sewer backups and other issues, especially in areas with combined sewers designed to handle both [...]

During the 1990′s, although the population in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed grew by only eight percent, the percentage of the land area covered by hard, impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete grew by a whopping 41 percent! When rainwater runs over these impervious surfaces instead of soaking into the ground, floods and sewer overflows become [...]

Did you know that 25 percent of New England’s coastal and freshwater beaches are either closed or have posted warnings at least once per year?  Over the past three years, about 100 beaches in New England have had warnings or closures for at least ten days.  Many of these warnings and closures result when polluted [...]

Combined sewer systems, which are designed to carry both sewage and storm water, can become overloaded when it rains and overflow into local waters.  In the New York City area, there are over 400 overflow points.  Bacteria and other pollutants in the overflow can harm filter-feeding shellfish, such as clams and mussels, and sometimes lead [...]

 Over half of Portland’s residents are served by pipelines that carry both rain water runoff and sewage.  During heavy rain events this system can overflow, and untreated sewage mixed with rain water is discharged into local streams and the Willamette River. Viewer Tip: You can help prevent overflows by installing a rain barrel at your [...]

Parts of DC have a combined sewer system, meaning that pipes are designed to carry both wastewater and rainwater.  During heavy rains, this system can become overloaded, and both wastewater and rainwater overflow into the nearest stream or river.  In an average year, more than 1.4 billion gallons of combined sewer overflow will enter the [...]

Sewer overflows are one of the most common reasons for Great Lakes beach closings.  In some communities, both storm water and sewage are carried by the same pipe, meaning that a heavy rain storm can overload the system.  When sewer systems overflow, sewage and storm water end up in local waters. Viewer Tip: During rainstorms, [...]

Many urban areas – including Providence – have combined sewer systems, which are designed to carry both rain water and sewage in the same pipe.  While the system works well most of the time, heavy rains can overload combined sewer systems, and both rain water and sewage overflow into rivers and the Narragansett Bay.  Sewage [...]

Many older urban areas, including Baltimore, have combined sewer systems, which are designed to carry both sewage and stormwater to a wastewater treatment plant through shared pipes.  During heavy rain events, rain water rushing into storm drains can overload the combined system, and both sewage and rain water can overflow into local waters. Viewer Tip: [...]

Indiana has more than 100 communities served by combined sewer systems, which are designed to handle both stormwater and sewage.  Sewer overflows can be a major water pollution problem if heavy rains overload the system.  When combined sewer systems overflow, stormwater and wastewaster can be dumped directly into local creeks and rivers. Viewer Tip: Lower [...]

In some Detroit communities, both storm water and sewage are carried by the same pipes.  When it rains, water runs off of paved surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and roofs, and heads for the storm drain.  Too much rainwater runoff in our storm drains can occasionally cause flooding and sewer overflows. Viewer Tip: An easy [...]

During periods of heavy rainfall, combined sewer systems designed to carry both sewage and storm water can become overloaded.  When this happens, the combined sewage and rain water overflows into the nearest body of water, contaminating it with waste and debris.  Parts of Narragansett Bay are permanently closed to shellfishing because of the dangers of [...]

Atlanta has over 1500 miles of sewer pipes, and some of those pipes are designed to handle both sewage and storm water. Sometimes, during heavy rains, the system can be overloaded, and both sewage and rain water end up in the nearest body of water. Viewer Tip: After an overflow occurs, your local health officials [...]

During periods of heavy rainfall, combined sewer systems designed to carry both sewage and storm water can become overloaded.  When this happens, the combined sewage and rain water overflows into the nearest body of water, contaminating it with waste and debris.  Currently, there are more than 60 combined sewer overflow sites that discharge into Boston-area [...]

During periods of heavy rainfall, combined sewer systems designed to carry both sewage and storm water can become overloaded.  When this happens, the combined sewage and rain water overflows into the nearest body of water, contaminating it with waste and debris.  While Grand Rapids has been working to eliminate combined sewer overflows in the city [...]