Drainage Study Phase I

The Town of West Hartford has contracted with a consultant, CDM Smith, to complete the storm drainage study. Several areas within the study area experience continual street and basement flooding. The purpose of the study is to identify the extent of the deficiencies in the existing storm drainage system that result in street flooding. The drainage study will take place in areas identified with flooding problems. The study is broken up into two phases. Phase I of the study includes areas 1, 2 and 3 and Phase II of the study includes areas 4, 5, and 6 (See Map). The drainage study will consist of collecting, reviewing and analyzing existing data, including available plans, aerial photography, topographic mapping, and storm pipe video assessments for the project area. Based on the data collected, a drainage model of the existing storm drainage system will be developed. The objectives of the study are to reduce the occurrences of street and basement flooding if possible and disconnect “clean water” from the sanitary sewer system and connect it into the storm drainage system.

Phase I of the study started in June of 2019 and is complete. Phase II of the study commenced in October 2020 and is complete.

Links / Resources

• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase I - Meeting Presentation June 6, 2019
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase 1 - Report  June 8, 2020
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase 1 - Presentation to the Town Council October 21, 2020
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase 1 - Meeting Presentation  November 23, 2020
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase I - Public Information Session #1 Video November 23, 2020
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase I - Meeting Presentation Area 3 November 30, 2020
• West Hartford Drainage Study Phase I - Public Information Session #2 Video November 30, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the drainage study being conducted?
During storm events, the Town receives street and basement flooding complaints. From the complaints the Town has identified the locations where flooding is a problem. The drainage study is being conducted to evaluate the existing storm drainage systems to reduce and if possible eliminate the severity of the street and basement flooding within the study area.

What are the study phases and limits?
There are two study phases each consisting of three areas. The first phase consists of Areas 1, 2, and 3 and the second phase consists of Areas 4, 5, and 6. The limits are shown on the following map. 

What is the study schedule and budget?
The study was broken into two phases. The first phase had started in June 2019 and is complete.  The second phase began in October 2020 and should be completed within six months. The budget for phase one is $206,537 and the budget for phase two is $225,386 for a grand total of $431,923.

What is the objective of the study?
The objective of the study is to alleviate street flooding for the 10-year storm and achieving one-foot of freeboard. Where applicable, the consultant will provide three feasible alternatives to improve the existing storm drainage system. The analysis will include flow from private inflow and infiltration, which includes sump pumps, foundation drains and roof leaders from approximately 90% of the homes in the project area.

What is the plan to keep water out of our basements?
The pamphlet published by the Metropolitan District provides guidelines on what you should know to prevent sewer backups and report sewer emergencies.

Contacts