South Bend is trying something new to deal with its aging sewer infrastructure.

The city is paying Insituform Technologies Inc. about $3 million to insert new lining inside 72-inch-diameter storm and sanitary pipes, which date back to the early 1900s. The South Bend Tribune reports the pipes carry storm water from precipitation and sanitary water from our toilets, sinks, and showers or tubs.

The idea, besides maintenance, is to keep groundwater leeching into the pipes and mixing with the storm and sanitary water, as well as keep the pipes clear besides the two types of water it’s meant to transport.

A large black tube can be seen rising from the street at the corner of Michigan and Ewing streets lately and re-entering the ground near Riley High School. That is related to this project.

If the weather holds up, the project should be done by the end of this month.