Johnson County, like many other municipalities across the nation, has identified the strain that additional rainwater and groundwater adds to the sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system was designed to convey domestic sewage to the wastewater treatment facility and does not have the capacity to convey and treat wet weather flows. During periods of moderate or heavy rainfall, sewer systems can reach capacity, overflow, and discharge a mixture of wastewater and stormwater out of manholes or backup into basements. Separate sewer systems are not typically designed to overflow, but illicit connections on private property, broken joints, pipes and manholes can allow stormwater to enter the pipes, causing the separate system to overflow during heavy rainfall. The JoCo Inflow program is designed to identify and eliminate illicit connections on private property and ultimately reduce the excess wet weather flow.

The sanitary sewer system in Johnson County is designed to carry the wastewater that flows from homes and businesses and is not designed to handle storm water. Due to the age of the system, past construction practices, and system deterioration, groundwater/stormwater leaks into the system. The sanitary sewer system becomes overloaded during heavy rain events and the system surcharges and overflows into streams and creeks and backs up into basements. 

Participation in the JoCo Inflow program will help reduce unwanted groundwater and stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system. These efforts aid in reduction of flows to the Wastewater treatment facilities and will help protect properties from sewer backups. Eliminating wet weather-induced flows reduces the volume of rainwater being transported through the system and ultimately the costs associated with treating the excessive flows. Studies conducted by Wastewater, and other communities across the country, have proven that eliminating these connections from private property is much more cost effective than the alternative of building larger sewer pipes and treatment facilities.

The property owner will receive a letter in the mail asking for participation in the JoCo Inflow program; this is a voluntary program with no out-of-pocket expense to the property owner to reduce rainwater and groundwater from the sanitary sewer system. The letter will come from Wastewater and will be addressed to the owner per county records. In the event the property is a rental, the owner or tenant can schedule the evaluation.

Complete this form to schedule a time for a JoCo Inflow representative to perform an evaluation.

An evaluation crew will visit the property and inspect the basement or crawlspace area, walk around the outside of the house, take photos, and ask questions regarding the history of the property as related to stormwater runoff and the sanitary sewer. The focus of the evaluation will be on the basement, crawl space (floor drains, sump pumps) and exterior of the property (area drains, driveway drains and downspouts). 

If you do not have any of the listed features, participation in the program is still beneficial to the program and will provide valuable information. If you think your property is compliant (no stormwater/groundwater connections to the sanitary sewer system), Wastewater would still like to confirm this by conducting an evaluation. 

This program is 100% voluntary. If a source is identified, you will be notified and can choose to move forward with the repair.

You will have the ability to select a plumbing contractor from a list of licensed, prequalified plumbers to complete the work or you can elect to have the program manager assign one for you. There may be a need for the selected plumber, property owner and project representative to meet at an agreed time and date to review the repair procedures to ensure all parties are informed. After the consultation, the plumber and owner will schedule a day(s) for the work to be completed. Once the work is complete, a project representative will verify that all work was done to specifications and meets Wastewater standards. All repairs completed under the program will have a one-year warranty provided by the selected plumbing contractor. 

There is zero out-of-pocket expense to participate in the JoCo Inflow Program. Wastewater will pay the selected plumbing contractor directly for all approved repairs. 

No. The JoCo Inflow Program is a voluntary program. Participation is highly encouraged to reduce wet weather flows and to reduce the need and cost of larger capital projects. 

Reduction of the unwanted wet weather flows may also reduce the chances of future basement backups for you or your neighbors.

All properties within the project area need an evaluation even if the property does not have a stormwater connection to the sanitary sewer.

Wastewater has a routine cleaning program to remove blockages that could restrict flow, systematically repairing sewer pipes and manholes, and upgrading pump stations and treatment plants. Wastewater makes a concentrated effort to take a cost-effective approach to maintain affordable rates. 

All sewer agencies face the challenge of maintaining a sanitary sewer system that prevents the introduction of groundwater/stormwater during heavy rain events. Many municipalities across the county are taking measures to either reduce groundwater/stormwater from their systems or build systems large enough to handle the excess flows.

Wastewater is taking a strategic approach to repairs to the system and has identified the highest priority areas that have a greatest amount of groundwater/stormwater that’s entering our system. We will be working in these areas to identify and remove sources of groundwater/stormwater from the system. You can refer family and friends to the Wastewater website to get more information. 

You can get more information on the Wastewater website or contact a JoCo Inflow program team representative by calling 913-715-8550 or emailing joco-inflow@jcw.org.

The JoCo Inflow program is voluntary. Failure to reduce wet weather flows will require Wastewater to make system improvements that are more expensive and could result in higher customer rates.  

The JoCo Inflow team is made up of Wastewater staff, and consultants, which include TREKK Design Group and HDR Engineering. Each team member will have an ID badge on their person indicating they are an authorized JoCo Inflow contractor or Wastewater employee.

The property owner retains the right to use the surface of the sanitary easement, so long as the use does not interfere with the installation and maintenance of the sanitary and no buildings or structures are erected within the easement. The property owner is responsible for mowing and general upkeep of the easement area.