How does weather typically affect wastewater collection systems?

Rain events can cause inflow and infiltration issues in wastewater collection systems due to the excess water entering the system from sources like stormwater runoff, groundwater infiltration, and direct inflow into sewers. When it rains, the amount of water in the system can increase significantly, sometimes overwhelming the capacity of treatment plants and leading to overflows or untreated discharges. This infiltration can result in operational challenges, increased treatment costs, and the potential for environmental pollution.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for wastewater management to mitigate risks associated with heavy rainfall, such as system backups and infrastructure damage. Managing inflow and infiltration through proper infrastructure design and maintenance is a key aspect of ensuring efficient wastewater collection, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall.