Collinsville homeowner sues city after sewer allegedly spills into basement for third time

The City of Collinsville is being sued after its sewer system allegedly backed up into a house for the third time in 20 years.

Mary Joy Springer filed a lawsuit against the city Sept. 12 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Springer alleges the sewer backed up into the basement of her house on Holloway Court on April 29. According to the complaint, it was the third time since 1995 that the sewer overflowed into the basement. The homeowner alleges the city was aware of the flooding problems and of the inadequate pumps at the sewer's lift station that have existed for a long time.

Springer accuses Collinsville of negligence for allegedly failing to properly install and maintain the sewer system. She is also suing the city for violating Illinois' Environmental Protection Act for allowing the sewer to spill into her basement.

Springer seeks more than $150,000 in damages plus court costs.

She is represented by attorney David L. Antognoli of Edwardsville.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1256.