Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Utilities Department

TO:	Bob Brower; Chris Cheek; Matt Fishburn; Arlindo Garcia; Erin Goodman; Mike Leming; Dan Lungu; Andy Sample; Tim Silvers; Mark Shepherd
FROM:	Jim Stuit
CC:	Roger Coffey Dave Wagner Michael Tubbs
Date:	August 15, 2005
RE:	Your efforts are paying off

This past weekend we had a significant rain event here in Lawrence.  The Lawrence Journal World (8/14/05) reported rains in excess of 4 inches in 4 hours.

A review of weekend activity reveals that we responded to only two reports of sewer backups, both in the 3^rd and Michigan area.  There were no reports of sewer capacity problems, sewer backups or sanitary sewer overflows in the rest of the system.  In the not-too-distant past, a rain event such as the one we just experienced would have resulted in dozens of backup calls and overflows.

I attribute the decline in problems to several factors.  First and foremost, I believe that the gravity line cleaning program has been very successful in removing debris, keeping the lines flowing and identifying problems.  Secondly, the aggressive programs to inspect the system and to repair failing pipe sections and manholes have kept our system in good condition.  Thirdly, the programs in place to conduct flow monitoring and flow data analysis in areas where peak flows exist have helped identify and prioritize CIP projects.

So, to those of you who drive the trucks, pull the hose, open the manhole covers, install the flow meters and rain gauges, analyze the data, dig the ditches, fix the pipes and manholes, operate the TV inspection equipment, or schedule the work,  please know that your work is appreciated by management staff and the citizens of Lawrence.