Private sewer laterals contribute significantly to infiltration and inflow, but homeowners often lack the means and will to replace these lines. This presentation will discuss a successful approach Pennsylvania authorities are using to overcome this challenge to reduce SSOs and improve overall system performance. The program provides low-interest financing and guidance to help homeowners navigate the process of finding a qualified contractor, determine scope of work, and address their needs for access and restoration. The authority manages the process from start to finish (including inspection and contractor payment), streamlining costs and timelines while ensuring homeowner satisfaction. The presentation will discuss how to structure the program and achieve homeowner buy-in. It will also explore several funding mechanisms, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, general fund allocations, and strategic partnerships with municipalities.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify how defective private sewer laterals contribute to infiltration and inflow and increase the risk of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). 

2. Describe key components of a homeowner-focused sewer lateral replacement program, including inspections, contractor selection, scope development, access, restoration, and payment. 

3. Apply strategies for gaining homeowner buy-in and reducing common barriers to private sewer lateral replacement. 

4. Evaluate funding options—including ARPA, CDBG, general fund allocations, and municipal partnerships—to support private sewer lateral improvement programs. 

5. Develop an implementation framework for managing a private sewer lateral replacement program that controls costs, streamlines timelines, and improves overall collection system performance.

Presenters:
Ryan Killen
HRG

Melissa Komar
HRG
 

Cost:  $49