Infiltration/Inflow

Infiltration/Inflow refers to the water that enters a sewer system from external sources. These sources can include, but are not limited to, groundwater, rainwater, and stormwater. Infiltration/Inflow is a significant issue in wastewater management as it can lead to the overloading of sewer systems and treatment facilities, resulting in untreated sewage being discharged into the environment.

Infiltration

Infiltration is water that enters the sewer system from the ground. This can occur through defective pipes, pipe joints, connections or manholes. Infiltration occurs where there is a high groundwater table or after periods of sustained rainfall. The amount of infiltration can vary depending on the condition of the sewer system and the level of groundwater.

Inflow

Inflow is water that is directly discharged into the sewer system from sources such as downspouts, basement sump pumps, and storm drain connections. Unlike infiltration, inflow is highly variable and is influenced by rainfall intensity and duration. Inflow can cause sudden increases in wastewater flow, leading to the potential for sewer overflow.

Impacts

Infiltration/Inflow can have several impacts on the sewer system and the environment. These include:

• Overloading of sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants, leading to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into water bodies.
• Increased costs for treating additional water that has entered the system.
• Potential for basement flooding and sewer backups.
• Deterioration of the sewer system infrastructure due to increased flow and pressure.

Management

Management of Infiltration/Inflow involves a combination of strategies including:

• Regular inspection and maintenance of the sewer system to identify and repair defects.
• Use of flow monitoring to identify areas of high infiltration/inflow.
• Public education programs to discourage the connection of downspouts and sump pumps to the sewer system.
• Implementation of green infrastructure practices to manage stormwater and reduce inflow.

File:Infiltration Inflow Diagram.jpg

Diagram showing the sources of infiltration and inflow into a sewer system

See also

• Sanitary sewer overflow
• Combined sewer
• Stormwater

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