Sometimes a city tackles a major problem only because legislation requires it. Almost 30 years ago, the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, embarked on a massive sewer separation project simply because it was the right thing to do. Today’s total victory over combined sewer overflows is not only a credit to city staff and elected officials, but also the will of Grand Rapids’ residents and ratepayers.
Like many cities, Grand Rapids once released untreated stormwater and sewage...
