What is infiltration in the context of sewer systems?

Infiltration refers to the process by which water, typically from groundwater sources, enters a sewer system through cracks, joints, or other openings in the pipes. This additional water can increase the volume of flow within the sewer system, impacting its capacity and potentially leading to issues such as overflows or increased treatment costs.

Understanding infiltration is crucial for collection system maintenance because it highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of sewer pipes to prevent unwanted water from entering the system. Effective management includes monitoring and repairing infrastructure to minimize infiltration, thereby ensuring the system operates efficiently and adequately handles the requisite wastewater without unnecessary dilution from external water sources.