Collections Division

The Wastewater Collection Division is responsible for maintaining the sanitary sewer collection system that collects and delivers wastewater to the Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment. The collection system infrastructure includes 400 miles of gravity and forced sewer mains, 15,000 manholes and 38 lift stations. The sewer lines are constructed of vitrified clay pipe, PVC truss pipe and SDR pipe. The pipes range in size from 8 inches to 48 inches in diameter.

This division is staffed by a Field Operations Superintendent, 2- Operation Supervisors, 9 Collection System Operators, an Infiltration & Inflow Technician and a Master Plan Coordinator.

An important program of the Wastewater Collection Division is the Television Inspection Program. The television inspection system eliminates guesswork and estimates by providing positive and reliable answers to what, where, when and how much work needs to be done to correct any problems within a line. The television system consists of a mobile van unit, video, computer and a specially designed camera that can function in 8 inch to 48 inch lines. Up to 1000 feet of pipe can be televised at one time. The camera is controlled from the van and crawls through the pipe while attached to a video cable. The video picture is sent back to the van and is observed by the operator on two monitors. Pictures can be printed out in real time or downloaded to the computer. Also, a detailed report is made by the computer of all defects that are found. The television inspection system is used for new sewer inspecions, preventative maintenance, and emergency calls.

The division uses the latest technology in pipeline rehabilitation. One example of this technology is the use of cured-in-place liners. A liner is inserted into an existing line, cured in 4 hours, all service openings are cut out and the line is ready to use after 8 hours. All this is done without any excavating and at about 1/3 the cost of digging and replacing. The division also has a chemical root control program. A contractor will apply a chemical into the sewer main that will foam up like shaving cream. The foam will eliminate tree roots within the pipe and will also prevent new root growth for 3 years. This is done without any harm to trees or the environment.

Lift Stations

Because of the Lawrence terrain, 38 lift stations are used to pump sewage towards the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Collection Division operates these pump stations through inspection, preventative maintenance, and repairs. These stations are monitored remotely with the use of modems and computers, allowing operators to respond to alarm conditions whenever they occur.

Gas test:

The division inspects the sewer lines through manholes near commercial and industrial locations to detect any hazardous materials infiltrating into the system. Tests include lower explosive levels that test for flammability, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen.

Odor problems:

Do some homework before you call the Utilities Department. Check the trap and drains for water. If you find they are empty, pour water into them, since the floor drains tend to dry up. If it still smells foul, call the Utilities Department.

Inflow and Infiltration Reduction

Flow monitoring and manhole inspections are performed in an effort to identify leaks in the sewer pipes. Leaks allow extra water into the sewer system, increasing treatment costs. The monitoring and inspection reports are used to select line segments and manholes for rehabilitation.

Why do sewers back up?

Anything that blocks the pipe can cause the sewer to back up. Tree roots, clothing, plastics, diapers, abnormal debris, any cooking grease can all accumulate and block the flow of the sewer. Be wise, make sure what you flush or drain in the sewer does not cause it to block.
If you find that your sanitary sewer is backing up, call the Utilities Department at 832-7800. After 5:00 p.m., weekends and holidays, call the Emergency telephone number 843-2685

How clean are the city sewers?

As part of the Preventive Maintenance Program, the Collection Division continues its preventive maintenance schedule to clean city sewer mains. The division uses jet trucks that clean lines by using high pressure water nozzles and root saws that can clean lines up to 1000 feet and a vacuum jet truck that not only cleans the lines but can also vacuum debris out of manholes.