Sanitary Sewer Backflow Device Reimbursement Program
Heavy rainfall can induce significant inflow and infiltration (I/I) of stormwater into the sanitary sewer system. The volume can exceed the system's hydraulic capacity, surcharging the collection system. This hydraulic overload can subsequently manifest as sewer backups, particularly through service laterals and floor drains in residential and commercial structures.
The City of Naperville’s Water Utility Department has a comprehensive, long-term program to reduce and eliminate the frequency and severity of sanitary sewer surcharges. Our ongoing work involves:
- Cleaning and televising sanitary sewers
- Smoke and dye testing sanitary sewer mains
- Flow monitoring of the sanitary sewer collection system
- Lining and rehabbing of the sanitary sewer infrastructure
- Building inspections
Despite these efforts, backups can still occur. Installing a backflow prevention device provides property owners with immediate protection and peace of mind from recurring sanitary sewer backups caused by the City's main system.
The Backflow Prevention Device Reimbursement Program
To help all eligible Water Utility customers protect their property, the City of Naperville offers a Sanitary Sewer Backflow Prevention Device Reimbursement Program.
- What the Program Offers and Who's Eligible
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This program is open to all City of Naperville Water Utility customers—including residential and business property owners—who have experienced a sanitary sewer backup caused by a surcharged system from intense rainfall.
Intense rainfall is defined as a large amount of precipitation occurring within a short period, which can overwhelm the sanitary sewer system and lead to surcharging.
The program allows eligible property owners to choose and install a backflow prevention device, and the City will reimburse 75% of the approved cost.
- Program Requirements
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To qualify for reimbursement, you must meet the following criteria:
- Participant must be a City of Naperville wastewater customer.
- The owner must first contact the Water Service Center at (630) 420-6137 to confirm that the backup was caused by a wastewater issue (sanitary sewer surcharge) and not by general stormwater flooding (e.g., water entering through windows, foundation cracks, or a failed sump pump). This program does not cover stormwater basement flooding.
- How to Apply and Get Reimbursed
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Property owners must apply for the program and receive City approval before any work begins. Here are the steps to qualify for reimbursement:
- Contact the Water Service Center. Utility customers must first contact the Water Utility to confirm the backup is a sanitary sewer issue.
- Receive an application. Once the utility confirms the issue is sanitary-related, they will provide the utility customer with an application packet.
- Apply. After the Water Utility receives the application, a denial or approval will be given the next day.
- Obtain three quotes. Once the application is approved, the customer must get three written quotes from contractors. All quotes must include the cost of installation and restoration.
- The City will authorize a quote. Submit the quotes to the Water Service Center. The Water Utility will preauthorize one quote (typically the lowest) and notify the property owner. The Water Utility reserves the right to reject all quotes if they exceed standard charges.
- Schedule and pay for the work. The property owner is responsible for scheduling the work and paying the contractor for all associated installation and restoration costs.
- Submit proof of payment. Upon completion of the work, the customer must submit proof of payment to the City. The City will then issue a reimbursement for 75% of the agreed-upon quote within two to four weeks.
All paperwork for this program should be submitted to the Water Service Center, located at 1200 W. Ogden Ave. For more information, contact the Water Service Center at (630) 420-6137.