New equipment being used to prevent flooding in Detroit

DETROIT (WJBK) - If you live in the Detroit, chances are you'll see new big blue vactor trucks in the near future. City workers are using them to clean out clogged catch basins.

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department demonstrated its new $4 million equipment Tuesday on Griggs Street on Detroit's west side to combat flooding in streets and basements.

"We're getting a pond of water in front of my house - so the neighbors call it 'the bird bath house' because the birds are bathing in the water," said Esther Boyd.

"Every time it rains our basement floods. Last time we had actual sewage in our basement - and that was the worst," said Diane Chapman.

The city admits it hasn't routinely cleaned out catch basins since 2010. It's believed 75 percent of them are blocked.

"What we're trying to be is proactive not reactive. One of the things we noticed immediately is when the city started sweeping streets, the number of complaints went down by more than half," said Palencia Mobley from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.

But longtime Detroiters say this is progress.

"I'm always optimistic; you have to be when you live in Detroit. A lot of people rush out of the city when things start to go bad. I'm 8 mile for life," said Rosemary Garrett.

"They also cleaned our street yesterday, which is something I haven't seen in 20 years. I've lived here since 1959, said Theresa Moon.

"We want good city services for the dollars we pay. It shouldn't take every 10 years for them to come out and clean the basins out. We need consistent city service workers," said Steven Banks.

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is looking to hire 10 additional staff members to get the work done. CLICK HERE TO APPLY