The skinny on Des Moines' $1.75M sewer project

Des Moines has some major sewer improvement projects in line for the next year.

• Now we know you probably aren't soliciting septic news on your own, but it may affect you and your neighbors. So let us break it down for you.

What's happening: Construction on the city's estimated $1.75 million project to repair sewage systems at 11 locations is getting underway this summer.

• The improvements are expected to be completed by fall of 2022.

Why it matters: Just ask those who have experienced backed-up sewage in their homes. And many of these upgrades are long overdue.

Flashback: You might recall these big events that overwhelmed our sewer system:

• Widespread floods of 1993
• Birdland levee breach in 2008
• Beaverdale and Fourmile flash flooding in 2018

The big picture: DSM has worked on the issue for decades, and more than 100 miles of sewers have been added since 2000.

What's ahead: Watch out for detours, which should generally last a few weeks or less.