A sanitary sewer overflow refers to a situation where the capacity of a sewer system is exceeded, resulting in the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage into the surrounding environment. It occurs when the volume of wastewater entering the sewer system surpasses the system's capacity to transport the sewage to the treatment plant.
Sanitary sewers are designed to collect and transport domestic wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to a treatment facility for processing and disposal. However, due to various reasons such as heavy rainfall, blockages, pipe bursts, or system failures, the sewer system can become overwhelmed and unable to handle the incoming flow. As a consequence, the excess sewage may escape from manholes, pipe joints, or other points of vulnerability and spill out into rivers, streams, lakes, or even onto land surfaces.
The overflowed sewage contains harmful pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that pose a significant health risk to humans and ecosystems. It can contaminate water bodies, pollute soil, and negatively impact aquatic life. Additionally, the foul odor and unsightly appearance associated with sanitary sewer overflows can also disrupt the quality of life in affected areas.
Preventing sanitary sewer overflow incidents requires proper maintenance, regular inspection, and timely repairs of sewer infrastructure. Additionally, implementing stormwater management strategies, such as the installation of retention ponds or separate stormwater systems, can help alleviate the risk of sewer system overload during heavy rain events.
