About Project WIN
MSD’s Integrated Wet Weather Program
As a customer of MSD, we want you to be informed and aware of the challenges we face as we develop a program to control sewer overflows and improve water quality in Louisville Metro. While we are legally responsible for meeting our regulatory obligations, your involvement as a partner in improving area water quality will be crucial to the success of our program. As our partner, you deserve to know how our community got to this point and what we are doing to meet our obligations.
- Much of our sewer system is old and lacks the capacity to handle the current volume of sewage and stormwater. Infrastructure improvements will reduce sewer overflows into our streams and sewer backups into our homes, and help us to reduce health risks associated with exposure to bacteria and contaminants.
- Sewer overflows pollute streams and rivers throughout Louisville Metro, in violation of the federal Clean Water Act. We have devised a plan that will allow us to comply with all state and federal clean water regulations.
- Without improvements, we could face severe financial consequences for failing to meet federal and state regulations by the 2024 deadline. Fines, limits on growth and economic expansion, and the higher costs of operating a failing system are some of the possible consequences.
- To continue economic prosperity, we must have a clean, safe environment. Polluted water leads to crippled growth opportunities.
- Our program to rehabilitate our sewer system will improve local water quality, protect the health of our citizens and future generations. Our children and grandchildren will enjoy a cleaner and healthier environment tomorrow, if we invest in our infrastructure today.
Water Protection Priorities
While the Consent Decree related activities are underway, MSD will continue implementation of other programs designed to safely and efficiently operate and maintain our wastewater and stormwater systems, and to make the necessary improvements for increased water quality and quality of life for Louisville Metro citizens. Two of the important programs include Project DRI and the Ohio River Flood Protection System.
Project DRI is a drainage improvement program that is helping to develop dependable drainage systems and reduce flooding for citizens throughout Louisville Metro.
We will also continue efforts to increase dependability of the Ohio River Flood Protection System, by upgrading flood pumping stations and overhauling major system equipment. MSD continues to work with the Corps of Engineers to determine the order of improvements.
MSD is committed to meet these major challenges, set a successful course, and make Louisville Metro an even better and safer place to live for all our citizens.