Shaker’s sewer project engineers recognize that extreme rainfall is
likely to continue due to climate change. Residents can help ease
the burden on sewers, much the same as we make energy-efficiency
improvements in our homes.
Homeowners can install low-flow
showerheads and dual-flush toilets,
which also reduce water and sewer
bills. And while original toilets from the
1920s can be aesthetically appealing,
they can also use seven times the
amount of water per flush. For the
really ambitious, or those doing a full
bathroom renovation, you can install
a graywater system that re-uses the
drain water from your sink and shower
for flushing the toilet.
An average 1,200 square-foot
roof generates approximately 750
gallons of water during a 1-inch
rainfall. This water can be captured in
rain barrels or a cistern and used for
plants and lawns.
Residents can create rain
gardens in their yard to capture
water (including from disconnected
downspouts). Several organizations
can help with resources and
designs, including the Doan Brook
Watershed Partnership.
While the pipes inside a home
are obviously the homeowner’s (or
the landlord’s) responsibility, this
responsibility extends to the two
sewer lines outside (laterals) that
connect to the City sewers. The
sanitary lateral connects sinks, toilets,
and showers to the sanitary sewer,
while the storm lateral connects
gutters, downspouts, and foundation
drains to the storm sewer.
Laterals are the original clay pipes
installed when the home was built.
Over the years, they may become
broken, clogged, or infiltrated with
tree roots. Broken or leaky laterals
can result in seepage between the pipes, so it is recommended
residents have them inspected and cleaned every three to five years.
Replacing these sewer pipes is critical for flood prevention and
ensuring that sanitary waste gets to the treatment plant.
Making investments today will have long-lasting benefits, and many
of the steps you can take at home can also save you money. It’s another
investment in sustainability that’s a win for everyone.
Michael Peters is the City’s sustainability coordinator.
A second section of existing
sewer along this stretch of Lomond
will be rehabilitated and connect
to a new section of 18-inch sewer
along Lynnfield. Like Sherrington,
a trench will be cut into Lynnfield,
restricting some traffic for part of the
construction process.
In total, these rehabilitated
sections will serve 250 acres of the
City and improve the conditions
for roughly 1,200 properties.
These improvements will reduce
the frequency of CSO events and
alleviate much of the flooding the
neighborhood has experienced,
providing benefits to residents and
the environment alike. SL
WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SUMMER 2022 63
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE