Sanitary and Combined Sewer Systems
Sewer Systems
Evaluating sewer systems is essential for maintaining efficient performance, detecting problems, and planning improvements that benefit public health. Partnering with professional engineers at AQUALIS ensures a proactive management approach to your sewer system, providing something otherwise unprecedented in the industry, a company who performs all services from inspection and maintenance, through professionally engineered analysis and design. We ensure compliance with state and federal regulations with one phone call!
Evaluating Sewer Systems
There are two fundamental types of sewer collection systems: Combined Sewer Systems and Sanitary Sewer Systems. These two systems differ, as sanitary sewers only collect wastewater (or sewage), and combined sewers collect both wastewater and stormwater runoff. This infrastructure varies across the country and each type of sewer system proposes new challenges for development, repairs and maintenance
Sewer System Overflows
Combined sewers can be overwhelmed by the volume of water they collect and treat which can result in Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). CSO are unavoidable as rain events compromise sewer capacity. With proper permitting, this is allowed but the effects on human health and the environment can be catastrophic. Thus, professionally engineered system evaluations of overflows reported in relation to storm and other events become important tools used to provide best means for a community to protect health and achieve long-term goals.
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Flow Monitoring
Flow monitoring is used to measure the flow rate, or speed and volume of water that is passed in sewer systems while also measuring the flow depth. These measurements, in congruence with evaluations of pumping systems and other conveyance methods, help identity infiltration and inflow (I/I), peak flow conditions and potential system overloading. Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) studies identifies where excess flows are entering and impacting the system using flow monitoring data. Many of the evaluation techniques listed below are used to qualify a best result by study.
Evaluation Methods
AQUALIS offers a unique teaming with our own in-house professional engineers teamed with certified field inspectors to provide clients with a full-service assessment and development of sewer systems. To learn more about how we inspect, maintain, repair and manage sewers review our wastewater services here.
Hydraulic Modeling
Software used to simulate flow helps predict the possible impacts to a sewer system in varying weather conditions, like peak flow events.
Smoke Testing
This is field testing that purposely pumps smoke (dyed air) into local collection systems to observe if smoke is produced and discharged from sources as desired. The data is used to identify connections between sewage and stormwater sources.
Cameras are inserted into sewer pipes for interior views of the system and identifying any structural, slope, or leakage into the collection system.
Manhole Inspection
These inspections focus on structural and leakage issues and can serve as key points for flow monitor installation. Manholes can also present a direct path for storm related flows that unintentionally enter a sanitary sewer and present additional treatment.
Understanding Sewer Systems in the United States
“There are three types of underground sewers which include Sanitary Sewer System (SSS), Combined Sewer Systems (CSS) and Storm Sewer Systems, sometimes referred to as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) when owned and operated by a municipality.”
Did you receive an NOV? Have an urgent need? We can help.
Notices of Violation (NOVs) or Corrective Notices should be taken seriously. Contact AQUALIS today to learn how to resolve the issue and comply with regulations.