Sanitary, Storm Sewer Improvements Start After New Year In Geneva

GENEVA, IL — Sanitary and storm sewer improvements are in the books to start fresh in the new year. Construction, which will generally take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. starting Jan. 3, is expected to last until February, officials said Wednesday.

Insituform Technologies, Geneva's contractor, will be cleaning and televising sections of the sanitary sewer system. Meanwhile, other crews will be working to stop groundwater infiltration from entering the system and correcting structural problems, officials said in a news release.

Residents living near the projects will receive a notification letter ahead of construction. City officials said the projects "should not greatly impact" residents. Crews won't need to enter homes, but officials are asking residents to grant crews access to fenced yards containing sewers.

"A few homes may be individually notified not to use their sanitary services on the day of construction," the release reads. "People may hear noises or gurgling sounds from their plumbing during the cleaning/televising process. Toilet seats should be kept down to prevent water from splashing."

It continues: "For residents with floor drains, sinks, bathtubs or showers that are seldom used, the plumbing traps (U-shaped pipe) may dry out as water evaporates over time allowing odors as well as noise into the home during cleaning or rehab operations. Filling traps with water helps mitigate those inconveniences."

In another aspect of the upcoming construction project, storm sewer lining will be complete to fix cracks or correct significant structural problems, officials said, adding the work is necessary to keep sanitary and sewer lines in proper working conditions.

Questions can be directed to the city's Public Works Department at 630-232-1551.