Berkley Shares Info, Gathers Data, About Storms and Flooding
(City of Berkley, July 27, 2021)
Berkley, MI – Over the weekend, Southeast Michigan and the City experienced severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Berkley Public Safety and Public Works (DPW) crews were dispatched to clear debris from roadways and assist with down power lines and tree branches.
Approximately 1.5 – 3 inches of rain fell in parts of the City between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Street flooding was reported throughout the City, most of which cleared within a couple of hours.
“This past weekend’s storms have shown us that the maintenance and improvements our DPW has done within the combined sewer system have reduced the impact of sudden, heavy rainfall.” said Matt Baumgarten, City Manager, “Yet, with storms of this level and intensity, we are aware of some residential basements impacts. We are currently collecting data from the public to better assess and aid our community.”
If you have experienced any basement flooding, residents are encouraged to contact Public Works at 248-658-3490 and/or report a claim using the Sewer Backup Claims Form here: www.berkleymich.org/ReportAClaim.
Wondering How to Protect Yourself from Basement Flooding? Here are some steps you can take as a homeowner:
Protect Your Home from Flooding (provided by FEMA).
About Berkley’s Sewer System Berkley has a combined sewer system which means it uses a single pipe to collect both stormwater (rain) and sanitary (waste) water. The sewer system collects storm and rainwater from the street, as well as, wastewater flows from homes and flows into the County’s system at specific collection points located throughout Berkley. Berkley streets are designed to hold water to delay its entry into the sewer system during heavy rains. There are no control mechanisms in the City’s sewer system. The City’s system is entirely gravity-based with no pumps or valves, meaning there are no switches, valves, pumps, levers, or buttons that need to be pushed to move water out of Berkley. This delayed entry of stormwater into the system also mitigates system backups.
Learn more about the City of Berkley, including information and resources for residents on a variety of topics, at http://www.berkleymich.org.