Root control applications are a form of preventive maintenance that kills roots found in sewer lines and prevents re-growth, thereby preventing sewer backup and further deterioration of sewer lines.

The City’s Root Control Program is implemented based on available operational funds.

Through sewer maintenance activities, such as response to sewer backups and televising, staff identifies sewer lines that are good candidates for root control. 

The current Root Control Program divides known sewer lines into three sets of lines that receive treatment every three years.

Through maintenance and identification, additional sewer lines may be added.

When staff identifies root control issues in private sanitary sewer lines, a letter is sent to the property owner informing them of the condition and possible corrective actions they might take to prevent sewer backup.

Only products registered with the EPA are used for root control applications.