Greenville, S.C. (February 21, 2012) – Wastewater treatment
utilities across the country are facing challenges including the need for
increased system capacity and the ability to meet stricter state and federal
environmental regulations. One of the current pressing operational issues is
Inflow & Infiltration (I & I). Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) is
well-positioned to deal with these challenges and is partnering with several
subdistricts to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to sustain
future economic growth.
I & I occurs when rainwater and groundwater enter the
sewer system. When I & I is mixed with wastewater, the necessary capacity
for the receiving treatment plant can double or even triple. Removing extra
water from the collections system helps 1) reduce the need to build new
wastewater treatment plants in the future, 2) reduce the potential for property
damage, and 3) ensure a clean environment for future generations.
ReWa
works with its 17 subdistricts to maintain the collection and sewer system,
combating I & I with an Upstate-wide reduction program. The program
includes flow-monitoring, periodic sewer line and manhole inspections, and active
repair and rehabilitation programs.
The
success of the I & I Reduction Program has provided an industry model for other
communities to address this infrastructure and environmental issue. The
leadership at ReWa recently published a whitepaper on the subject: “Inflow
& Infiltration: A System-wide Sewer Rehabilitation Program.”
The
whitepaper is available online at http://rewaonline.org/inflow-infiltration.php.
Renewable
Water Resources (ReWa)
ReWa’s
goal is to promote a cleaner environment and to protect the public health and
water quality of the Upstate waterways while providing and developing the
necessary sewer infrastructure for the growing economy. ReWa serves more than
400,000 industrial, commercial and residential customers in Greenville County
and parts of Anderson, Spartanburg, Pickens and Laurens Counties.