Combined sewer overflows, rising sewer mains and the importance of maintaining and upgrading the wastewater network
To avoid combined sewer pipe contents backing up into people’s homes during heavy rainfall, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) were developed to divert water to a wastewater treatment plant and deposit it into local water courses.
Rising sewer mains are also an instrumental part of the wastewater network, transporting sewage uphill in a pressurized environment.
However, if CSOs activate too early or a burst event occurs on a rising sewer main, the water utility risks a pollution incident, fines and a damaged relationship with their customers.
In this Water Magazine article, Business Development Director for water Martin Duff discusses some example contributory factors behind rising sewer mains failure and CSOs spilling prematurely, including:
- Aging assets
- Extreme weather events
- Overpopulation
- Sewer treatment works flow issues
When it comes to wastewater networks, early leak detection is the solution. Find out more by reading the full feature in this issue of Water Magazine.