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Community and Education Resources - Infiltration and Inflow Community and Education Resources - Infiltration and Inflow

Infiltration and inflow (I&I) are terms used to describe the ways that clear water (groundwater and stormwater) enter the sanitary sewer system. Excess water from I&I can overwhelm the sewer system, leading to overflows and increased treatment costs. Through proactive measures, regular inspections, and help from our community, we can combat I&I. 

 

Infiltration

Groundwater can infiltrate, or seep into, sewer pipe locations that become vulnerable with time such as leaky joints, cracked pipes, and deteriorated manholes.

Infiltration Illustration

Inflow

Stormwater can inflow, or enter, the sewer system directly through improper connections including foundation drains, roof drains, storm drains, and defective manhole covers.

Inflow Illustration
 

Preventing and Reducing I&I

Why prevent clear water from entering our wastewater system?

  • Excess water from I&I overwhelming the sewer system can lead to sewer backups into homes,

    which is unpleasant, stressful, and poses potential health risks and property damage.

 

  • Overflows can release untreated sewage into the environment,

contaminating waterways and present health hazards. 

 

  • Treating the additional clean water from I&I increases

operational costs at wastewater treatment plants. 

 

  • Additional water in the sewer system increases the need for larger

and more expensive sewer pipes and treatment facilities. 

 

WEP Strategies

 

Sewer Maintenance Team


Sewer Maintenance performs routine checks and upkeep of sewer pipes to identify and fix issues before they become major problems.

 

 

Public Sewer Lines


No-dig technology and cured-in-place pipe linings rehabilitate and restore damaged and aging sewer pipes to like-new condition.

 

Manholes


Defective manhole covers are repaired and replaced to decrease inflow and infiltration into the sewer system. 

 

 

 

Property Owner Strategies

 

Property Sewer Lines

Property Sewer Lines


Property sewer lines are the owner's responsibility. It’s important to inspect and repair any damaged sewer service lines to prevent backups. 

 

Sewer Cleanout

Sewer Cleanout


The mushroom cap or access cover prevents rainwater and other debris from entering the sewer system. If your cleanout is missing or damaged, replace it.

Sump Pumps and Drains

Sump Pumps & Drains


Sump pumps and building drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system. Fix any improper sewer connections.

 

 

Enlist help from a licensed professional:

Master List of Plumbers

 
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