Valparaiso, Ind., begins stormwater separation project to protect Salt Creek

(UI) — Valparaiso, Ind., has started a sewer and stormwater separation project aimed at reducing flooding and improving water quality in the downtown area. The $1.5 million effort is funded in part by a $960,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant, with support from Congressman Frank Mrvan.

According to city officials, the Weston Street project will remove about 13 million gallons of stormwater annually from the combined sewer system. Stormwater will be diverted into a 60-inch pipe beneath the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad, eliminating 20 storm inlets from the combined system.

“This project will be another infrastructure milestone by improving infrastructure and protecting private property and the environment from the harmful effects of combined sewer overflows,” said Valparaiso City Services Executive Director Steve Poulos.

The separation project is in the design phase, led by engineering firm DLZ, with construction expected to begin in March 2026. City leaders say the work builds on long-term stormwater planning, including the “Super 17” priority projects and more than 50 other upgrades completed since 2017.

Officials expect the upgrades to reduce sewer backups, basement flooding, and overflow volumes into Salt Creek while decreasing wastewater treatment plant energy use. All work will remain within the public right-of-way.

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