The Collection System

    The collection system is one of the key pieces of  LaPorte's infrastructure and is instrumental in helping keep our local Lakes and environment in excellent condition.  Without a means of transporting the sewage generated in LaPorte to a facility where it can be properly treated, the sewage would end up contaminating our lakes and groundwater and be a prime source for the spread of disease and illness.

What is the "Collection system" ?

     The collection system for the City of LaPorte consists of approximately 31 miles of sanitary sewer pipes and 69 miles of combined sanitary sewer / storm water pipes.  This intricate network of pipes and lift stations exists to make sure that the wastewater that gets flushed everyday from the homes and industries of La Porte makes it way to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to be properly cleaned and treated before it is recycled back into the environment. 

How does it work?

    The majority of the collection system works on gravity.  The wastewater flows into the underground pipes at an elevated level, then follows the downward direction of the pipe to its final destination at the WWTP.
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What is a lift Station?

    Due to the large and varied geographic area that LaPorte covers, you can't have a single pipe that flows continuously from the northern edge of LaPorte all the way to the WWTP.  So instead of having one pipe, the sewage flows into a deep pit with pumps that "lifts" the sewage to a higher elevation where it can start flowing downwards again (see graphic at right).  These lift stations are a key component of maintaining the collection system in working order.  If the lift station were to fail, sewage could fill the pump pit and overflow onto the ground causing a potential environmental hazard.  The City of LaPorte currently uses remote monitoring (SCADA) on 16 of its 22 lift stations and is in the process of adding remote monitoring to the other 6.
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What is a Combined sewer?

    When LaPorte was being built during the 19th and 20th centuries, it was common practice to take the rain water run off from roads and homes and drain that water into the sewer system to get it away from the town.  This practice of "combining" the storm water drainage system with the sanitary sewage removal system has resulted in combined sewer systems.  A large number of the 772 cities with combined sewer systems are located in the Midwest as can be seen from the following map.

    When it rains, cities that have Combined Sewer systems don't have the capability to treat all the water that goes into the collection system.  This results in a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) during which storm water and untreated sewage are discharged directly to the environment.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with the individual State environmental departments have passed laws that are designed to greatly reduce, if not eliminate CSO events in the future. For more information on CSO's and the status of LaPorte's CSO, please follow this link - LaPorte's CSO Status.
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What is a Storm Sewer?

    Unlike the Combined Sewer systems described above, a Storm sewer system is a series of pipes that is designed to exclusively carry rain water away from city streets, homes and businesses.  These pipe systems typically discharge directly into area lakes, rivers and streams without any but the most minimal treatment.  That is why it is always important to remember to never pour anything into a catch basin!  Items like used motor oil, old paint, weed killer and pesticides should always be disposed of in a proper manner!
    A typical storm system is comprised of catch basins at the corners of streets which are then hooked to the storm sewer pipes.  These catch basins are usually designed with a grating on top to keep floatable debris like cups, bottles, sticks and leaves out of the system.  They are also designed with a "sediment trap" at the bottom to help keep gravel and sand from getting into the pipes and "plugging" up the system.  A good program of Street cleaning helps keep the floatable debris removed and when the sediment trap starts to gets full, the City's Collection crew uses its equipment to vacuum out the sand and gravel.
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What causes a sewer to "back-up"?

    Sewers are designed to have enough difference in level from the beginning to the end of the system to keep the sewage moving through it at a fast pace.  Sometimes, however, material gets caught in the pipe and blocks the water from getting past it.  The cause of blockages typically are the result of:

Tree Roots: Which work their way into the sewer through the joints where the pipes connect together.
Grease: From home cooking oils and foods.  In the cooler temperature of the sewer water, grease coagulates and forms large masses that stick to the pipe walls and can easily block a pipe.
Debris: From catch basins and homes.  Items like sticks, rags, toys and roadside litter.  Once a single piece gets stuck in the system, other pieces tend to build up behind the first piece.
Broken Lines: A sewer line might have been broken by construction crews working near the line, or by heavy equipment moving over it.

   All these things can cause a sewer line to plug. The first sign that there may be trouble is the drains from kitchen and bathroom sinks and bathtubs slowing down or the toilet may not flush as good as it used to.
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Who should I call if I'm having a sewer problem?

   If you are experiencing a sewer back-up, before you call a plumber please call the LaPorte Wastewater Facility at 362-2354.  We will dispatch our personnel to make sure that the City's trunk line or "sewer main" is clear and flowing normal.  If the blockage is in the City's' sewer main we will clean it at no charge to the customer!  If the City's sewer main is clear and flowing normally, we will inform you that the problem is in your private line and that you may need to contact a plumber to assist you in clearing out your line.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the "Collection System"?
How does it work?
What is a lift station?
What is a Combined sewer?
What is a Storm sewer?
What causes a sewer to "back-up"?
Who should I call if I'm having a sewer problem?