Downspout Disconnection
Downspout disconnection is a term used when a downspout diverts rain water from a roof into the lawn instead of into the sewer system.
Downspout Disconnection Study in the First Ward
Actual First Ward downspout disconnection and rain barrel installation
Many downspouts from roofs in Buffalo convey rain water directly into the sewer system because the downspout is connected to the sewer system. On sunny days and during small rain storms, the sewer system works well. However, during heavy rain or snow melt events, the sewers become overwhelmed and they discharge polluted water into Buffalo River, Niagara River, Scajaquada Creek, and many other waterways.
Buffalo Sewer Authority and its partners are studying the impact of the downspout disconnection technique in the First Ward to see if it works to reduce water pollution. Special flow meters have been placed in the sewer to measure how much flow is reduced if we disconnect the downspouts. Partners in the program included Buffalo Sewer Authority, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Old First Ward Community Center, the Father Belle Center/Americorps, and Malcom Pirnie. This study is called the Buffalo Sewer Authority Downspout Disconnection Pilot Program (D2P2).
Property owners in the First Ward (89-174 Alabama St, 70-126 O’Connell Ave, and 67-150 Vincennes St) will be asked if they can disconnect the downspouts and divert the rain water onto their lawns, instead of down the sewer drain. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to disconnecting the downspout, where feasible, some homeowners will receive rain barrels. Rain barrels conserve 60 gallons of rain water for later use of outdoor chores. For more information about rain barrels, click here.
Actual First Ward downspout disconnect and rain barrel installation
Due to the change in weather, downspout disconnections have been suspended for the season and will resume in spring 2011.
