Storms are getting stronger and affecting our communities more often—whether it is heavy rain in the Midwest or hurricanes down south. These extreme weather events can cause serious problems for wastewater and storm systems, leading to backups, street flooding and sewer overflows.
One of the advantages in the city of Highland Park, Illinois, is that the sewer systems are separated systems. This setup is a major advantage, especially during storms in the Midwest. A combined sewer system is where stormwater and wastewater share the same pipes.
These can quickly become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to overflows and backups. In Highland Park, keeping stormwater and wastewater in separate systems reduces the risk of these issues and helps everything flow more efficiently.
The town also has multiple ravines that carry stormwater runoff directly to Lake Michigan, as well as two rivers that run through town. During heavy rain, these waterways rise quickly and put extra pressure on our storm infrastructure. That’s why, before storm season, crews clear storm drains, constantly inspect sewer lines and rod out trouble areas called “hot spots.” Five sanitary lift stations are also in operation, each with a natural, gas-powered generator. That gives peace of mind; if the power goes out during a storm, the stations will keep running no matter what. The city also keep portable pumps and backup equipment ready, just in case.
To help monitor and manage the system more effectively, the city has implemented a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. This allows monitoring of the status of lift stations, pump performance and sewer levels in real time. If something starts to go wrong—like a sudden spike in flow or a power issue—the team can react immediately. SCADA gives the department an edge, especially during storms when conditions can change quickly. It is not just about reacting; it is about staying ahead of the problem.
Public education is another important part of the job. When residents understand how the system works and what they can do to help, it makes a real difference. Simple actions like not flushing wipes, keeping gutters clear and reporting issues early go a long way toward preventing bigger problems when the weather turns bad.
No matter where you live, the goal is the same: keep wastewater moving, protect the environment and ensure the safety of people and property. Whether it is a hurricane or a Midwest rainstorm, preparation, teamwork and a quick response are key to staying ahead.
Submersible Solutions is produced by the Submersible Wastewater Pump Association to inform and educate in the design and operation of submersible wastewater pumping systems. For more information, visit pumpsandsystems.com/swpa.
