Picture this: You are a city leader responsible for assessing stormwater inflow and infiltration (I/I), and associated infrastructure costs and management. Do you push to implement disconnect programs that may come with added costs to homeowners or focus on increasing the capacity of the wastewater treatment plant? While this may seem like a silly question, older homes are having a large impact on the answer and cities are challenged to map the correct systems and solutions.
Older homes are known for contributing I/I of stormwater to sanitary sewer systems through improper household foundation drains and/or sump pump drain connections. Leaky connections and manhole covers, cracked pipes, tree root intrusion, and other means also negatively impact their functionality. Essentially, I/I results in stormwater being treated as if it were sewage, when it could otherwise have been naturally absorbed into the ground in yards and gardens, or added to the storm sewer system that feeds ponds, rivers, and lakes.
While newer homes have sump pump and foundation drains that connect to sanitary sewer systems, most homes built before 1985 still have the old connections. Many people underestimate the impact of these outdated connections with the numbers telling the true story. Footing drains connected to sanitary sewer systems are suspected of being one of the leading causes of introducing excessive rainfall to sanitary sewer systems. Sump pump connections also cause significant and unnecessary flows and related costs. During a wet weather event, including substantial rain or snow melt, just ten sump pump connections can result in over 68,000 gallons extra flow per day, in addition to the usual daily flow. The increase in large rain events, combined with multiple improper connections, can overload systems resulting in failure and overflows.
There have been a number of footing/foundation drain impact studies performed around the Midwest with relatively consistent results illustrating that these drains can contribute between one and five gallons per minute (gpm) during and following average rainfall events. This causes a significant strain on the wastewater system with increased quantity and costs for unnecessary treatment.
In response, updated building codes and city-run disconnect programs are achieving positive results by reducing the rate of unnecessary water from entering wastewater treatment plants. Roof, foundation, and sump pump drains that are properly connected from residential homes to the storm sewer system provide relief to sanitary sewer systems, city budgets, and ratepayers’ wallets.
Limiting stormwater from entering overloaded sanitary sewers can prevent raw sewage spills, reduce capacity requirements, and extend the life of the system.
A strategic and proactive community approach can save city staff and homeowners from burdensome and costly situations. By following these four simple steps, cities can support their communities and work toward managing a better flow and overall results.
Join the conversation #ISGCommunityPlanner #CityInfrastructure #ISGPublicWorks
Following the 2024 wettest spring on record in the state, flood risks have become a pressing concern for Minnesotans. Whether dealing with damage firsthand, volunteering in clean-up, or feeling the impact in another way, many realize that future planning for intensifying weather patterns is crucial.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join inspiring women leaders from across architecture, engineering, and construction at the AIA WLS. I left feeling energized by the conversations about the history of women in AEC, where we are now, and where we are headed as an industry.
The trend of multi-purpose athletic fields is rapidly growing in K-12 and community sports. This surge is driven by the escalating costs of construction and the increasing need for flexible fields that accommodate multiple sports and extend outdoor seasons.
Is your internet company seeking to expand its high-speed services through Fiber to the Home (FTTH) funding? With 21.3 million Americans—6.5 percent of the population—lacking access to broadband, expanding your services is more crucial than ever in closing the digital divide. While securing funding can be a game-changer, the process is considered by many to be daunting and complex.
In the fast-paced world of telecommunications infrastructure, ISG has implemented an advantageous approach: pre-survey construction analysis. This method results in data-backed solutions that streamline projects while promoting safety and reliability for communities.