What is a common cause of inflow into a collection system?

Illegal roof gutter connections represent a significant issue in wastewater management. When roof gutters are improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system, they can direct large volumes of rainwater directly into the collection system. This results in inflow, which can overwhelm the wastewater treatment facilities and lead to various operational challenges, including increased treatment costs and the potential for system overflows.

Rainwater from roof runoff is typically much cleaner than sewage, yet when it enters the sewer system, it increases the flow unnecessarily. This can result in potential violations of environmental regulations and the degradation of water quality. Therefore, identifying and addressing illegal connections is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of wastewater collection systems.