–The Algona City Council approved an agreement with an engineering firm this week to conduct sewer lateral inspections in various areas around town. The inspections are being conducted to make sure sump pumps or footing tiles are not hooked into the city’s sanitary sewer system. City officials say it was a common practice many years ago, but it goes against city code today as those hookups can overwhelm the sanitary sewers during heavy rainfall events. Kevin Graves with WHKS addressed the council during a work-session prior to their regular meeting Monday, and he discussed how the inspections will work.
Graves says they do have more than one way to get a look into a home’s sewer line.
City Administrator Jacob Tjaden says homeowners may be unaware that they have an illegal hookup, which is why they will work with residents if an inspection uncovers one. Tjaden says homeowners could be assessed a monthly surcharge if they don’t make repairs in a timely manner, but they hope to avoid that if possible.
The agreement calls for the inspection of around 400 homes in areas across town. Many of the inspections will take place on the northeast side of town near the Bishop Garrigan campus, while areas around South Main Street will also be inspected, as those areas have seen sewer backups recently during heavy storms. Inspections should begin later this year and run through the summer of 2025.
