Oct. 15, 2026 9:30
(WGTD)---A proposal to send city inspectors into homes in Racine just before they're sold in order to check for illegal sewer connections has raised some eyebrows.
The ordinance is part of Mayor Mason's 2027 budget proposal. The measure would require sellers at the point-of-sale to install sump pumps in homes where foundation drains improperly empty into a sanitary sewer.
The clearwater flowage that winds up being needlessly treated at the sewage treatment plant costs money and in times of heavy rain can overwhelm the system.
During city council budget meetings this week, Mason said the city needs to find a way to reduce daily clearwater flowage by 56 million gallons daily in order to comply with orders from the state. "It's a substantial number that we're responsible for," he said.
Under a regional agreement, the city treats sewage that flows in from all areas east of I-94 in Racine County.
The good news for homeowners with illegal connections in the city is that the city is willing to foot the bill for sump pump installations. Mason says that's the most cost-efficient way of dealing with the problem.
City officials figure that a big dent could be made in the problem if just 600 homes each year are properly connected to sump pumps.
The city council is expected to finalize the budget within the next couple of weeks.
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