Inflow & Infiltration

Some of these connections include but are not limited to:

• Older homes with storm lines
• Sump pumps
• Roof drains connected directly to the service line
• Infiltration through manhole covers, rings, and other non-sealed/open connections
• Etc.

To help you better understand how I&I works, here are some great videos put together by CRDVictoria:

Part One: Introduction

Part Two: The Impact of Rainwater Entering the Sanitary Sewer System

Part Three: How Property Owners Prevent Rainwater from Entering the Sanitary Sewer System

Part Four: How Municipalities Prevent Rainwater from Entering the Sanitary Sewer System

Understanding I&I and why it’s a problem

Inflow and Infiltration is a problem because it can:

• Reduce the capacity for our sewage systems potentially leaving less existing residents, businesses, and community growth
• Decreases the efficiency of sewage treatment as it becomes diluted by water
• Can potentially increase the cost of water to residents and business owners as the treatment plants require a higher flow volume for proper treatment
• Has the potential to cause sewage overflows resulting in health risks, and property/environmental damages

A great example of this would be big storms. When high levels of rain water enter the system, you will notice that sometimes backups occur. This is most commonly seen when water is floating or popping out of the ground via manhole covers. These backups cause huge environmental and property issues due to the fact that an overload of the sanitary sewer service can backup into your home, roadway, and into the storm water system.

How can you help? 

The best course of action (first and foremost) is being educated and understanding Inflow and Infiltration concepts. Here are some great resources to help you get started.

Inflow and Infiltration: The Beginners Guide by ENVIROSIGHT

Regional District of Nanaimo’s Inflow and Infiltration Resource Page

 

FAQs

As we expand this section, we want to hear from you! Have a question about I&I? Please feel free to reach out to our Operations team directly at 780-929-4300 or via email at publicworks@beaumont.ab.ca. As we receive questions, we will add them here for future reference.

• Q: Can I connect my sump pump to my sewer line?
  • A: You are not permitted to connect your sump pump to the sewer line. This overloads the system increasing treatment times.

As we continue to work towards educating our residents and businesses, new projects and upgrades will be explored. Currently we are looking into the following:

• Upgrades to the underground utility lines
• Upgrading the capacity of the storm sewer mains
• Providing updates to the Utility Master Plan (TBD)

Full details will be provided as those projects are actioned.