The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is investing $184 million to reduce basement backups and alley cave-ins by reinstating private sewer line connections and upgrading Detroit's aging sewers.

Program Overview

The Alley Sewer Repair Program (ASRP) is a proactive initiative by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to reduce the risk of basement backups and reduce alley cave-ins (sinkholes) across the city. Detroit has approximately 1,800 miles of alley sewers. Every house is connected to the City sewer by a private sewer service line. Property owners are responsible for the private sewer service line (lateral) from the point at which it leaves the house (beneath the basement or crawl space) and connects to the City sewer, which may be in the alley past your property line. Due to age, shifting soil, intruding tree roots, and lack of regular sewer line maintenance, private sewer service lines can become offset or completely disconnected from the City sewer. The lack of proper connection can allow for soil, tree roots, and other debris to enter the private sewer line or the City sewer, causing basement backups and/or cave-ins.
 

Through this program, DWSD will utilize $175M in CDBG-DR grant funding to repair approximately 8,000 private sewer line connections to reestablish proper flow from homes to the city sewer.
 

The ASRP is citywide and alleys are prioritized based on DWSD data of cave-ins and known private sewer line defects. All work will be completed within the right-of-way, and no homeowner applications are required. If your block is scheduled for repair, you will be notified directly with door hangers prior to construction. DWSD will also conduct virtual meetings and attend neighborhood meetings as alleys are scheduled.

Benefits & Alley Prioritization

Some of the key benefits of this program include reducing active and potential cave-ins by repairing and restoring impacted areas in alleys, reducing debris from entering the combined sewer system, and improving overall public health and safety by reducing basement backups.
 

The program includes reinstating the private sewer line connection to the City sewer. The program does not cover private sewer line repairs between the house and the connection to the City sewer. Alley sewers that are in neighborhoods that are more than 50% low to moderate income (LMI defined by the U.S. Census data) and have confirmed private sewer line connection defects and/or cave-ins are being prioritized.
 

What If My Area Does Not Qualify?

If your neighborhood does not meet the federal LMI requirements for the ASRP, but you are experiencing private sewer issues, you may be eligible for the Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP). This separate program assists income eligible homeowners impacted by the June 2021 rain event with repairing private sewer lines and installing backwater valves.
 

Learn More and Apply for the PSRP

Private Sewer Line Maintenance and Flooding Tips

Private sewer lines (lateral) is typically as old as your home and can be as old as the City infrastructure. Many Detroit neighborhoods have large trees where roots can break into the sewer pipe and find water and other nutrients to continue growing.
 

It’s important in reducing flooding and home maintenance costs that most residents have their sewer line cleaned at least every two years, and every one year if you have large trees on or near your property. Having a licensed plumber clean your entire sewer line can help not only avoid backups but can reduce damage to your sewer pipe which can be much more costly than the sewer cleaning/snaking. Residents are also encouraged to consider hydro-jetting and/or televising your sewer line to visually inspect for any defects. Cleaning your sewer line regularly can help avoid bigger problems that can be much more costly. Repairing or replacing a private sewer line can cost between $5,000 - $20,000.
 

To reduce blockages or breaks in your sewer line, only flush the three P’s – pee, poo, and paper. Avoid pouring grease down your drains and flushing wipes or sanitary products.

Learn more on how to reduce flooding in the City of Detroit Basement Backup & Flood Protection Handbook.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

• Is this a free program?
  • Yes, this work is fully funded by CDBG-DR grants and is performed at no cost to homeowners.
     
• How do I apply?
  • No application is required for the ASRP. If your block is scheduled for repair, your neighborhood will be notified prior to construction.
     
• When will this program start?
  • Work is scheduled to begin October 2026 and is anticipated to be a four-year program.
     
• Will my property be damaged?
  • Work will require excavation in the alley right-of-way and/or easement. Any grass, fencing, or pavement impacted by the excavation work will be restored after the repairs are completed on your block.
     
• Will my water service be interrupted?
  • Your drinking water service will not be interrupted. However, crews may request that you temporarily avoid flushing toilets or running heavy appliances, such as washing machines, to prevent wastewater from emptying into the active work trench.
     
• Why was my neighborhood not selected?
  • The program includes neighborhoods where at least 50% of residents have low-to-moderate income (LMI), as defined by U.S. Census data. For more information on LMI areas, visit the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. Additionally, blocks are being prioritized based on known data of cave-ins or private sewer line defects.
     
• What if I need repairs to my private sewer line?
  • If repairs are needed for your private sewer line, please visit the Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP) Webpage to see if you qualify. DWSD also endorses the warranty program provided by American Water Resources (AWR). Visit AWR’s Water and Sewer Service Line Warranty site to learn more.