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Hartland reports nearly 12 inches of rain, infrastructure crews respond; Arlene lift station spared overflow
Summary
Village of Hartland public works and emergency crews said the village recorded 11.91 inches of rain during a recent storm; crews prevented a sanitary sewer overflow at the Arlene Lift Station and responded to widespread basement flooding and fallen trees.
Village of Hartland public works and emergency staff reported heavy storm impacts at a meeting, saying the village recorded 11.91 inches of rain and that crews worked around the clock to respond to basement flooding, a compromised lift station and downed trees.
A staff speaker described how the Arlene Lift Station experienced high inflow and infiltration — clear water entering the sanitary system from rain — but that crews prevented a sanitary sewer overflow. "We successfully did not have a sanitary sewer overflow," the staff member said, adding that crews diverted water and responded to multiple reports of water in basements.
The hardest-hit neighborhood was an older subdivision identified in meeting comments as Hillgert Farms (an older subdivision without storm sewer). Officials said that area exceeded a 100-year flood level and that correcting deficiencies there would require substantial work, likely paired with future paving projects. One public-works speaker said a retention pond at a quarry performed as designed, absorbing a large volume and helping protect downstream areas.
Why it matters: The storm tested the village’s stormwater systems and highlighted long-term infrastructure weaknesses in older neighborhoods. Staff described ongoing cleanup — removing fallen trees along river paths and repairing well-house damage — and said further assessment and capital planning would follow.
Details from the meeting: Fire and police assisted DPW with calls during the event; one well house had a tree fall on it and multiple temporary calls were needed for basement collapses. Officials advised residents to avoid entering fast, high water in the Fox River and other local waterways for public safety; they cited recent regional rescue calls as examples.
Next steps: Officials said they may explore installing a collection system in older subdivisions during future paving work, a complex and costly effort. The village will continuecleanup and post-event assessment, and officials encouraged residents to report flooding and property damage so the village can prioritize work.
