Why is inflow and infiltration a problem?
Sanitary sewer systems are designed to carry wastewater from toilets, dishwashers, sinks, or showers in homes or businesses. I&I add clear water to sewer systems, increasing the load on the systems. Once the sanitary sewer systems have reached capacity or becomes overloaded, wastewater flows at much higher water level than normal and if sanitary fixtures or drains are below this overload level, water will flow backward through the sanitary sewer pipe, flooding basements or households and causing manholes to pop open releasing wastewater onto the street. I&I reduce the ability of sanitary sewer systems and treatment facilities to transport and treat domestic and industrial wastewater. As a result of the inflow and infiltration, wastewater treatment processes are disrupted and poorly treated wastewater is discharged to the environment. What are the costs of I&I? There are various costs associated with inflow and infiltration including sanitary sewer system overflow, with wastewater treat
