No House Left Behind: Combined Sewer Separation Building Clean Water Disconnection Means, Methods, and Effectiveness

The Metropolitan District (MDC) of Hartford, Connecticut has been implementing various combined sewer separation projects throughout Hartford and the surrounding communities. The goal is to significantly reduce combined sewer overflow (CSO) frequency and volume to the Connecticut River and local waterways. It is evident that identification and removal of as much stormwater inflow as possible will increase sewer system capacity and wastewater treatment capability, minimizing CSO impacts to area waterways during storm events. The MDC has a 100% public/private inflow source disconnection goal and has taken a “no house left behind” approach to building disconnections in their sewer separation projects. Successful implementation of this ambitious goal requires tailoring disconnection approaches to the unique buildings and neighborhoods in Hartford. Close coordination and constant communication with homeowners, as well as adapting designs to changes in site conditions during design and construction, are key components to the projects.