Winnetka Brings Back Program to Help Residents Pay for Systems to Stop Sewer Backups

WINNETKA, IL — In the aftermath of last month's torrential thunderstorms, trustees approved the return of an assistance program for homeowners who want to buy and install a system to reduce sanitary sewer backup during the Village Council's meeting Tuesday.

The cost-sharing initiative, which was discontinued in 2014 so the village could free up money to pay for infrastructure improvements, contributes 50 percent of the cost of an anti-backup system up to $3,500 or $5,000 for overhead sewers, according to a Winnetka release. Bringing back the program is part of the village's efforts to limit potential public health risks, as well as reduce property loss and insurance claims.

"While the Village of Winnetka is not legally responsible for damages resulting from sewer back-ups in individual residences, the Village believes that it can provide some assistance to residents in protectingtheir basements from sanitary sewer backup," a village document outlining the program stated.

Residents with questions about the program can go to the village's website or call the Public Works Department at 847-716-3532.

RELATED: Winnetka Work Crews Battle Flooding From Weekend Storms

On July 23, about 2.75 inches of rain fell in Winnetka between 5:40 and 7:10 p.m., causing widespread flooding. An additional 2.4 inches of rain fell during a second storm wave that day, and the combined rain total for both periods exceeded a 50-year storm event.

The cost-sharing program wasn't the only storm-related business the council addressed during its meeting. Trustees also approved waiving permit fees for storm repairs. Questions concerning permits for storm-related repairs should be directed to Anita Lichterman, the village's permit coordinator, at 847-716-3520 or via email at ALichterman@Winnetka.org.

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