Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program

Due to the ongoing winter storm, City facilities, including City Hall and all Parks, Recreation and Culture facilities, will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 18. This is due to the forecasted winter storm resulting in dangerous travel conditions.

Read the news release for full details >>

To schedule an appointment, call the EcoFlow hotline at 785-832-3003 or email lawrenceecoflow@gmail.com.
For additional information on the program, visit the Lawrence EcoFlow webpage.

The City of Lawrence is committed to maintaining a safe and efficient sanitary sewer system for all residents. As part of that effort, we’ve launched the Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program, formerly known as the Rapid Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Reduction Program. This long-term initiative focuses on identifying and repairing issues that allow excess water—like stormwater or groundwater—to enter the sanitary sewer system. Fixing these issues helps reduce system strain, lower treatment costs, and prevent sewer overflows during heavy rain events.

What is Inflow & Infiltration (I/I)?

“Inflow and infiltration,” often referred to as I/I, describes how unwanted “clear water” enters the sanitary sewer system:

  • Inflow comes from surface water sources like roof drains, downspouts, sump pumps, storm drain cross-connections, and even through openings in manhole covers.

  • Infiltration comes from groundwater seeping into the system through cracks, joint failures, or broken sewer pipes.

When I/I rates are too high, it can overwhelm the sewer system, leading to backups, increased treatment costs, and the need for costly infrastructure expansion.

 

Program Goals

The Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Program aims to:

  • Reduce I/I by 35% in targeted areas

  • Extend the life of existing infrastructure

  • Avoid unnecessary construction of new treatment capacity at the Kaw Wastewater Treatment Plant

  • Prevent backups and reduce the risk of sewer overflows during wet weather

 

How the City Identifies Sewer Issues

To find and fix I/I issues, we use a combination of industry-standard inspection and monitoring techniques:

  • Smoke Testing – Used to detect cracks and faulty connections in sewer lines. (See video below!)

  • Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) – Small cameras are sent through sewer lines to identify defects.

  • Flow Monitoring – Helps measure how much water enters the system during wet weather.

  • Manhole Inspections – Check for leaks and structural issues.

  • Building Evaluations – Identify improper plumbing connections on private properties that may be contributing to inflow.

 

Spotlight: Smoke Testing

One of the most useful tools in our toolkit is smoke testing. During smoke testing, crews send a visible, non-toxic, odorless smoke into sewer lines to identify places where water might be entering or escaping. If smoke exits from places it shouldn’t—like yards, roofs, or the ground—it reveals a potential problem area.

Smoke testing is safe, fast, and extremely effective at detecting leaks. While it may look dramatic, the smoke is harmless and dissipates quickly. You can learn more by watching the video below.

 

Keeping You Informed

We understand that proactive communication with residents is key. When work is scheduled in your area, residents will be notified in advance with door hangers, on-site signage, and clearly marked contractor vehicles and uniforms.

For building evaluations, City staff and TREKK representatives will coordinate directly with property owners to explain the process, answer questions, and provide guidance on any necessary plumbing corrections.