What is defined as groundwater entering the collection system through leaking joints, cracks, or holes in the pipes?

Groundwater entering the collection system through leaking joints, cracks, or holes in the pipes is defined as infiltration. This term specifically refers to the process where water from the surrounding soil seeps into the sewer system, which can lead to increased volumes of water in the wastewater system, potentially causing overloading and treatment issues.

Infiltration is a concern because it can compromise the efficiency of wastewater management and treatment facilities, leading to increased operation costs and the potential for environmental impacts. This is distinct from inflow, which pertains to surface water entering the system, and exfiltration, which refers to wastewater escaping into the surrounding environment. Overflow describes a different scenario where the capacity of a system is exceeded, leading to spillage. Thus, infiltration is the most appropriate term for groundwater intrusion through damaged portions of the piping system.