Footing Drain Disconnection Program

If your property received new utility infrastructure in front of your home as part of a recent City project, you are required to participate in this program. A letter from the City will notify you if your home is included.

Why is this required?

Footing drains and sump pumps connected to the sanitary sewer can overload the system during heavy rain. This can cause backups in basements – yours and your neighbors’.

To prevent this, the City now requires:

• Disconnection of footing drains from the sanitary sewer
• Year-round discharge of sump pump water to your yard or storm sewer, not to the sanitary system

This is required by City ordinance.

What you must do

• Contact Don Clark to obtain an application at: Dclark@ankenyiowa.gov.
• Disconnect footing drains from the sanitary sewer line.
• Route sump pump discharge outdoors year-round. It cannot go to a sink, bathtub, laundry standpipe, floor drain, or the sanitary sewer.
• Schedule a pre-inspection before beginning work

Financial assistance available 

The City offers reimbursement grants up to $4,000 per property to help offset the cost of disconnection. Grants are only available for work completed after your application is approved. 

Program Details 

• City approval and permitting is required PRIOR to any work occurring or items purchased.
• The project must be completed within 18 months of notification by the City to the property owner.
• Reimbursement will be made after the project is completed and the receipts/invoices submitted to the City.
• Submit the application and the required documents to: Dclark@ankenyiowa.gov.
• Funding is not guaranteed until the application has been approved. Projects constructed without City approval may not be reimbursed.