Author(s)

Frederick Bloetscher

Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.

This paper was undertaken to compare eleven utilities where part or all of the utility was tested for infiltration and inflow with the intention of determining the value of data gathered from midnight investigations, comparing potential costs (in 2020 dollars), and understanding whether statistical methods can be used to predict potential problems on the system. Inflow and infiltration amounts can be identified on a utility system without significant effort. Inflow correction is robust and easy to implement (though often overlooked). After inflow is addressed, the results indicated that a midnight investigation could quickly identify portions of the sewer system in need of attention. Maps of leaky pipe sections can be identified, and commonalities in the system may become apparent. Statistical methods were used to identify high groundwater levels and lateral issues as critical issues on these systems. The methods can be utilized at other utilities to help guide them to addressing the critical issues first as opposed to focusing only on the traditional pipe lining solutions that often ignore the lateral and inflow issues that plague utility managers.

Inflow, Sanitary Sewer, Overflow, Rainfall, Groundwater, Infiltration

Bloetscher, F. (2021) Analysis of Inflow Solutions among Eleven Sewer Systems. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 9, 64-86. doi: 10.4236/gep.2021.99005.