Nowak Construction is about 50 percent complete replacing 5,900 feet of undersized and deteriorating sewer pipe, utilizing a technology called "pipe reaming". Basically, a large rotary bit is pulled through the old pipe grinding it up and pulling in a new pipe behind it. The project also includes relining another 1,000 feet of deteriorating sewer pipe using a process called "Cured in Place Pipe". This project is being partially funded through a Kansas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), with $500,000 coming from grant money and $900,000 from the City's sewer fund. Most sewer lines in El Dorado , as well as communities across the country, are made from a material called "clay tile", and many are over 100 years old. Clay tile sewers are extremely corrosion resistant, but over time, crack and fracture due to the expansion and contraction of tight clay soils. The cracked pipe allows sewage water to leak out of the pipe and consequently also allows tree roots to grow into the pipe as they search for water and nutrients. Tree roots cause sewer blockages and will eventually destroy the pipe. The contractors will be installing new service connections where each home attaches to the City sewer. These old connection points are typically a root problem area, so the new watertight connection may help homes with root blockage issues. The new PVC pipes will last much longer, keeping sewage in and tree roots out.