Clearwater Disconnect Program
Fact Sheet
Brandywine Hundred Rehabilitation Project
December 1, 2009

Basics

1. Clearwater removal is the cheapest infiltration and inflow (I&I) removal method available on a cost per gallon basis. One (1) Clearwater Connection = Seven (7) Homes
2. Clearwater connections are illegal but widespread in Brandywine Hundred. There are also scattered Clearwater connections throughout the rest of the County.
3. Most homeowners with a Clearwater connection do not realize they have one.
4. Disconnections paid for totally by the County will lead to unreasonable expectations by the homeowners and needlessly drive up the cost.
5. Disconnections paid for and totally controlled by homeowners will usually be done as cheaply as possible and may not be satisfactory to the County or the homeowners.
6. Some properties will be too expensive to disconnect and need a mechanism to allow the Clearwater discharge to be legally granted or grandfathered.

Facts, Findings, Assumptions

24,000 Properties in Brandywine Hundred
3,600 Clearwater Connections (assumed)
3,060 Catch Rate of connections (85%)
2,750 Disconnections made based upon 90% participation
1,925 Sump Pump connections (70%)
825 Punctured Floor Drain connections (30%)
28.5 Million gallons removed from system during design flow storms

Probability of Ease of Disconnection

1925 Sump Pumps valued at adding 20 million gallons per day (MGD) into the system under design storm conditions

75% easy disconnects (< $1,000 each) 1,444 = 15 MGD
20% moderate disconnects (< $2,000 each) 385 = 4 MGD
5% difficult disconnects (> $2,000 each) 96 = 1 MGD

825 Punctured Floor Drains valued at adding 8.5 MGD into the system under design storm conditions

75% easy disconnects (< $2,000 each) 619 = 6.3 MGD
20% moderate disconnects (< $4,000 each) 165 = 1.7 MGD
5% difficult disconnects (> $4,000 each) 41 = 0.5 MGD

Method of Disconnection

All disconnections are done by the homeowner or by a homeowner hired contractor. Pre and post inspection by the County.

The County will develop a homeowner handbook that shows what needs to be done and provides typical designs.

The County will also hold training workshops for plumbers and other qualified contractors who may wish to do this work. The list of attendees will be published on the County website for homeowners to use in selecting a contractor.

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