Program Purpose The purpose of Boston Water and Sewer Commission's Downspout Disconnection Program is to identify and disconnect those downspouts (also known as roof leaders) that discharge into the sanitary sewer system.  The sanitary sewer system is designed to  carry domestic and industrial waste from toilets, showers, dishwashers, etc., not storm water. This program is only available in selected neighborhoods of Boston where down- spouts have been confirmed as discharging to the sanitary sewer system. Why is this Important to Me? Storm water or "inflow" that enters the  sanitary sewer system is delivered to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's (MWRA) Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The MWRA charges BWSC based on the amount of flow sent to Deer Island for treatment. The addition of storm water to Deer Island increases the flow from Boston, thereby increasing costs. In addition, downspouts that discharge to the sanitary sewer system are in violation of Massachusetts General Laws, the Massachusetts Plumbing Code and BWSCs Sewer Use Regulations. How Will I Benefit  from this Program? During periods of rain, excessive amounts of storm water in the sanitary sewer can over-burden the system and could result in flooding of streets and homes. By eliminating as many sources of inflow as possible, you are protecting your property from possible sewer backups and overflows. Also, the higher the flow to the MWRA for treatment - the higher the costs charged to BWSC. Eliminating storm water from the sanitary sewer system will reduce the sewer costs to BWSC and help maintain low water and sewer rates for customers. How does BWSC know if I have a Downspout Connected to the  Sanitary Sewer System? BWSC conducted visual inspections of neighborhoods to collect information regarding the types of downspouts on each property. Downspouts connected into the ground or a building's foundation needed further investigation, which involved a dye test. The  dye test involved pouring dyed water into the downspout. This caused sufficient water flow to carry the dyed water from the downspout to the street, where it was observed from an opened manhole.

Why Must I Disconnect  my Downspout? This is an important program that directly impacts property owners. It will: Eliminate storm water that currently enters the sewer system, which can potentially cause flooding in homes and businesses during rainstorms. Comply with State Laws and BWSC Sewer Use Regulations. Reduce the amount of storm water being sent to Deer Wastewater Treatment Plant. Who Disconnects the  Downspout and Who Pays? Under the Downspout Disconnection Program, homeowners may choose to allow a contractor hired by BWSC to disconnect the downspouts at no cost to the homeowner.  Although it is not necessary for the owner to be present during the disconnection procedure, the owner may request an appointment with the contractor, and may also discuss the procedure before any work is performed.  If homeowners do not choose to allow BWSC’s contractor to perform the work, the owner must hire a licensed plumber to disconnect the downspouts at the owner’s expense. Access into a property will not be  necessary to complete the disconnection. Did you know... Gargoyles found on old buildings were  originally used as fancy cover-ups for downspouts. BWSC thanks property owners for their cooperation and participation in this program. Your assistance will help BWSC as well as you and your community. It is vital that BWSC and property owners assure that homes are safe and protected from the risk of unnecessary flooding from improper sewer connections. In addition, your assistance will help BWSC comply with the laws and regulations mandating this work. If you have any questions or would like to request a copy of this video in CD-ROM, contact Sarah McDougal at (617) 989-7412. Videos in VHS format are also available for viewing at some local libraries.