In the wake of last week's flooding, the City of Windsor has began work on a sewer action plan going forward.
The plan calls for eight key initiatives which include an immediate review of all sewers, 100% coverage for back flow valve installation and making the current downspout disconnection program mandatory with exemptions on a case by case basis.
City Engineer Mark Winterton says having a "to do list" is going to make things easier.
"It's a staged approach to how to attack this very serious problem that we seem to be getting on a much more frequent basis. What we're really trying to do is come in with a short-term plan, things that we can do immediately, and things that we can attack on the larger scale."
He says the current back flow valve program, which covers 80% of the cost, has only had a 7% uptake by residents.
"It's a little bit frustrating that we've certainly gone to great lengths to try and get the message out to the public. I think it's a part of human nature that until it happens to you, you really don't think it can happen to you and that's what we're seeing."
Winterton adds, not enough residents are taking advantage of the many flooding subsidy programs the city offers.
"Unfortunately these rain storms are becoming the new norm. We used to call these 'one in a hundred year storms'. We've had two of them now in 11 months. The only real way to protect from the sewers that are going to surcharge when you have an event like this is to protect yourself at the base level at your own house level."
The city will also spend $7-million to expedite the Riverside Drive Vista Project as well as push the province for a program to help residents who cannot afford or can no longer get flood insurance.
An update on the eight point plan is due back to council at its next meeting September 18.