DONATE
A construction crew worked in July to repair a manhole structure collapse at the intersection of Maryland and Illinois streets.
Sarah Panfil/WFYICitizens Energy Group says it will evaluate its sewer system more frequently.
The announcement comes one month after century-old infrastructure caused a sinkhole and a collapsed manhole in downtown Indianapolis.
Vice President of Water Operations Jeff Willman says the water utility company averages over 80 sewer failures a year since 2012. But he says they inherited a system that averaged 120 repairs a year.
"So I think we’re heading in the right direction, I think we’re doing the right things to help mitigate unexpected failures," Willman says. "But this is a bit of a marathon. It wasn’t created overnight, and it’s not gonna be resolved overnight."
The company says recent sewer failures prompted a rapid assessment of the underground structures and pipes in Indianapolis.
Its 10-year cycle of inspection for the downtown area will now happen every five years.
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.