SOUTH BEND, Ind.—The Department of Public Work will accept applications for its residential downspout disconnect program through the end of the year.

The free program disconnects downspouts, caps the drain way and adds extensions to ensure that rainwater drains onto the lawn instead of into the city sewers.

The South Bend Municipal Code (Section 17-4) requires all downspouts in the city to be disconnected by December 31, 2020.

The last day to apply for the free program is December 31, 2018. After this date, residents will be required to hire their own contractor and pay to have downspouts disconnected.

According to the Department of Public Work, many older homes have downspouts.

Downspouts are pipes that direct rainwater from the roof to ground level.

The Department of Public Work says that disconnecting downspouts from the city’s ewer helps reduce basement flooding and improves water quality in streams and rivers.

To sign up for the free downspout disconnect program, click here or call 311.