And Why Scientists Are Testing Wastewater to Detect Pathogens

There are horror stories based on nearby military projects contaminating water systems and accidentally infecting entire towns with a zombie infestation. The thought has crossed all of our minds once or twice.  Luckily, there are preventative measures and a system of checks and balances where that scenario is not likely to happen.  However, it does not mean that we do not have to stay vigilant in monitoring wastewater.  The reality is this nation is in crisis and experiencing complex Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) problems that threaten access to clean water through aging and damaged infrastructure.  We will address that topic momentarily if you are here to read about pathogens. But first, we should know what we are dealing with.

What Does Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) Mean?

Inflow and infiltration mean groundwater and stormwater are getting into the wastewater system.  Sadly, there is no magic cure or switch to stop this from happening, but there are preventative measures and ways to control and monitor the phenomenon.  You may think, “What’s the big deal about a little more water in the system?”  It cannot be overstated enough that inflow & infiltration (I/I) is a world problem.  Standard Pipe Services is devoted to contributing knowledge, time, and resources to the crisis in local areas and surrounding states.  Inflow and infiltration directly cost homeowners, communities, cities, governments, and the environment.  This meets the criteria of a “we” problem.  So, what is the problem?

Inflo Explained

Sewer systems are designed to carry the wastewater, but they also have to accommodate other forms of waste.  Think of everything you have ever flushed down a toilet that you knew didn’t belong there and pile on other debris such as plants, roots, and the occasional baby alligator.  The design is a strength and a weakness because it invites inflow problems.  Stormwater runoff is the main contributor to inflow.  For example, you have seen water storming on the roof, navigating down the gutter to the driveway, and then running curbside down the street, gathering debris on its journey to the sewer, ditch, river, or other sources.

Infiltration Explained

Groundwater will funnel into – or infiltrate – overburdened sewer facilities through cracks in the piping, deteriorated manholes, or any other path of little resistance.  If the sewer facility lacks maintenance or upkeep, groundwater is an invitation for groundwater to flush through.  This infiltration is prominent in areas with aging infrastructure or a network of ill-maintained infrastructure that has not seen an inspection in years.  

A certain amount of wastewater processing is accounted for when developments are constructed. However, unplanned water entering the system can wreak havoc in the form of overflows because the system was not designed to handle ‘more’.  Another common problem is linking unapproved drainage outlets to municipal sewers by homeowners or businesses that did not go through zoning.  This wastewater is unaccounted for and is taxing on wastewater facility lifetimes.

Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) the “We” Problem

This means sewer backups and rising water levels at water sources such as lakes or rivers.  For example, during tropical storms are heavy rains, the ground will become impermeable, and water will sit on the surface and pool and, with enough motivation – flood.  The problem is amplified further when the infrastructure is not functioning fully or is blocked.  If pipes are not on a maintenance or cleaning schedule, damage can go undetected until something bursts.  
Protecting infrastructure assets with consistent maintenance and an Inflow & Infiltration Control plan saves hundreds of thousands of dollars the environment and does not waste our most precious resource – water.  Infiltration exacerbates infrastructure integrity because water is being forced through a system that cannot handle it, so it erodes the soil around pipes underground and leads to collapse.  In extreme cases, it can lead to sinkholes.

Public Health Problems and Inflow & Infiltration

As discussed earlier, groundwater gathers debris and contaminates.  This is not clear, sanitary water.  Contaminates can be seen or unseen.  Unseen contaminants can be in the form of pollutants from yards and driveways.  Debris can be carried from one location to another through natural or artificial guides.  The debris can cause damage and block drainage outlets and corrupt the environment with pollutants.  Stormwater management is crucial in balancing contamination to minimize threats to public health.  Public health issues have massive financial ramifications and are no good for anyone.  We can’t eliminate the threat, but we can do our part to minimize it.

Standard Pipe Services (SPS) rehabilitation services include thorough cleanings and televised (CCTV) inspections to diagnose and identify problems.  It is vital to get a clear picture of the unique situation.  Once we have a clear understanding, SPS engineers a plan of action that meets the client’s specific needs and specifications.  Manholes are esteemed culprits for allowing an unbalanced amount of water because they are often forgotten.  Another source of inflow & infiltration is illegal laterals connecting to mains which are successfully eradicated after a sewer lining which accounts for 20-25% of inflow and infiltration.

Financial Damages of Inflow & Infiltration

The 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) report card for United States Infrastructure was a D+.  Funding for repairs comes from grants or loans, and loans need to be repaid over 30 to 50 years.  This is a burden on State and local entities and their taxpayers, who shoulder most of the responsibility in capital projects, such as infrastructure ($55 billion in 2017).  To paint a clear picture, the ASCE revealed persistent leaks and weakened conditions of aging infrastructure have increased inflation by 24% from 2008 to 2016.

State and local governments have implemented restoration fees and levied taxes to close funding gaps. Unfortunately, it’s a rather large gap.  According to the ASCE:

“In 2019, the total capital spending on water infrastructure at all levels was approximately $48 billion, while capital investment needs were $129 billion, creating an $81 billion gap…only 37% of the nation’s total water infrastructure capital needs were met. Assuming the water and wastewater sectors continue along the same path, the total gap will grow to more than $434 billion by 2029.”

By 2029, you can expect chronic service disruptions. Again, the ASCE’s figures are sobering:

“…disruptions would cost water-reliant businesses $111 billion and American households $378 million in healthcare costs.”

This fits the criteria of the “we” problem.  The consequential damages to public health and the economy are crippling. Therefore, impactful, meaningful plans for inflow & infiltration must be implemented.

Wastewater & Pathogens

The National League of Cities recently posted an article featuring wastewater as a public health tool through testing.  According to the article, wastewater samples can be collected from community wastewater or sewage and monitored to watch for changes which would provide an overview of pathogens such as:

• COVID-19
• Monkeypox
• Flu
• And other viruses

According to the website:

“Communities participating in the NLC initiative can leverage wastewater monitoring data to further inform the management of ongoing public health actions and to help prepare for the next public health emergency. Wastewater monitoring is a simple, effective way of building non-invasive, city-wide public health infrastructure that advances equity because no home, business, or neighborhood served by the sewage treatment system is left out.”

This is an excellent opportunity for government entities and leaders tasked with infrastructure renewal and inflow & infiltration control plans.  Standard Pipe Services can collect samples in confined areas and during inspections for testing in collaboration with government entities to promote public health.  For homeowners, the EPA has an informational sheet of when you should have the water tested.

Standard Pipe Services sets the standard for quality, innovation, and accountability in pipe rehabilitation and infrastructure renewal.  Contact us today to assist in the development of your project.  Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter and join the conversation!