More than 2 billion gallons of rainwater and wastewater overflow into local waterways each year. Thankfully, construction is underway on MSD’s $200 million Waterway Protection Tunnel that is designed to mitigate this problem.

The tunnel – planned for completion in 2020 – is an innovative way to store this overflow of rainwater and wastewater underground until it can be pumped to MSD’s Morris Forman Water Quality Treatment Center. It will be able to store up to 37 million gallons of combined rainwater and wastewater when complete.

In 25 years – through everything from flooded basements to a flooded city – Barbara Roberson has seen it all. Or at least, she’s heard about it. As an MSD Customer Relations Specialist, Roberson is often the first point of contact for customers in crisis, who call MSD with issues ranging from drainage problems to flooded basements.

“The Customer Relations department is vital because as the first point of contact, customers expect us to be the resource to resolve their problems,” she said.

"Trash Island."

At Beargrass Flood Pumping Station, it's the collection of detritus that has gathered in the aftermath of the area's flooding: tires, coolers, empty two-liter bottles, a door, even a Valentine Day's balloon. The decision was made to leave the large amount of trash at the pump station until floodwaters recede because the debris ultimately began to function as an additional filter for the mechanical components of the station. The “trash island” eventually will have to be removed by a crane.

Safely cleaning up after a flood

Take photographs of the damage before cleanup. Residents are encouraged to begin cleanup as soon as possible, floodplain permits are not required before cleanup begins.

Flood cleanup safety tips:

Before entering your home, check for damaged power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks and

other exterior damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home.

If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and contact the fire department

The construction site for the Clifton Combined Sewer Overflow basin flooded over the weekend, an occurrence that MSD expected because the basin is on the river side of the flood protection system. The design of the basin will be such that, when completed, it will still function under these conditions.

As the Ohio River’s banks continue to swell, MSD is hard at work to keep Louisville safe and clean. This effort is clear to see on days like today as the Ohio River floods its banks, particularly at major facilities like MSD’s Pond Creek Pumping Station.

Charged with flood protection for the city, the MSD system includes 29 miles of floodwall and earthen levee, 16 flood pumping stations, nearly 150 floodgates and 80 floodwall closures.

As heavy rain continues in the Louisville area, it’s important that people take precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind during wet weather.

Driving/Walking

For the latest updates, follow MSD on Twitter at @LouisvilleMSD.

Customers can report to MSD any roadway flooding issues or sewer backups into homes 24/7/365: 502-587-0603 and CustomerRelations@LouisvilleMSD.org.

Flood Response Update - Feb. 26, 1 pm