City pushes for resident education about water quality issues

Brookfield officials are examining ways to educate residents about water conservation and maintaining sewer systems following a renewed effort by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate groundwater.

The federal order is concerned with ground water contamination levels and the city is having extensive testing done to see where the problems, if any, exist. Multiple programs, including a greater inspection effort for sewer laterals, are aimed at combating this problem, but flooding remains an issue.

Alderman Jerry Mellone suggested the city review and enhance the materials it provides to residents about saving water, as well as the maintenance of private sewer systems, including sump pumps.

During rain storms, sump pumps sometimes fail and storm water pipes become overloaded with water, leading to serious flooding problems. This cannot only cause damage to a home or property, but also be a hindrance to selling a home.

"No one in Brookfield wants to dump raw sewage into our water ways," Mellone said.

The city does have information on its website for homeowners regarding sewer maintenance and mitigating flood problems.