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Wastewater Collection System Toolbox
Communities across the United States are working to find cost-effective, long-term approaches to managing their aging wastewater infrastructure and preventing the problems that lead to sanitary sewer overflows. The Toolbox is an effort by EPA New England to provide examples of programs and educational efforts from New England and beyond showing the approaches being used to:
- Communicate with and educate citizens and local officials
- Address financial and regulatory needs
- Develop and conduct preventive maintenance programs
- Better manage infrastructure assets
- Use information systems, including GIS
- Improve system capacity and address system overflows
Our goal, as we develop the Toolbox over time, is not to provide an exhaustive listing or endorse any particular approach, but to direct managers, local officials, and other decision-makers to a range of fact sheets, case studies, ordinances, and other information that shows how things are getting done. And while we recognize that a certain approach may not be directly applicable to your situation, we hope it might provide a new idea, a useful template, or perhaps a potential contact as you work to prevent overflows and improve your collection system.
| How a Sewer System Works Different strategies are used to convey basic information about how sewer systems work, their operation and maintenance needs, and why things go wrong. |
Knowing Your System Current and accurate information is essential for managing a system and building community support for the wastewater infrastructure. |
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| Operations and Maintenance Systematic operation and maintenance programs help protect the capital investment and keep a system in good working order to provide consistent customer service and prevent overflows and backups. |
Capacity Capacity needs change over time – as a system ages, as additional connections are made, and as water usage changes. Different programs and approaches are used to assess and address capacity issues (e.g., Infiltration/Inflow). |
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| Asset Management Asset management guides the acquisition, use, and disposal of infrastructure assets. Components are regularly maintained over long planning cycles, and replaced when deterioration outweighs the benefit of further maintenance. |
Finance The challenges of financing environmental services and facilities make it increasingly important to understand the opportunities and limitations. |
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| Outreach on Sanitary Sewer Overflows Efforts to reduce the occurrence of SSOs include public education about the causes and prevention of SSOs. |
Outreach on Sustaining the Infrastructure A sustainable water infrastructure will require educating the general public, local leaders, and the media about the value of the water and wastewater systems and the need to make a financial investment in their long term stability. |
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| General References |
This page provides links to non-EPA web sites that provide additional information on eliminating sanitary sewer overflows. You will leave the EPA.gov domain and enter another page with more information. EPA cannot attest to the accuracy of information on that non-EPA page. Providing links to a non-EPA Web site is not an endorsement of the other site or the information it contains by EPA or any of its employees. Also, be aware that the privacy protection provided on the EPA.gov domain (see Privacy and Security Notice) may not be available at the external link. 
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How a Sewer System Works
The Collection System, Wastewater Treatment Facility, La Porte, Indiana
Briefly outlines the purpose of the collection system and its various elements, the sanitary sewer system, the combined sewer system and overflows, and the storm sewer system, as well as the causes of sewer backups.
How the Sewer System Works, City Sewers, LA Sewer, City of Los Angeles Public Works
Uses pictures of the pipeline, pumping plants, drop structures, siphons, treatment plants, and manhole covers to show how sewage flows from sewers to treatment plants. The section "How We Keep Sewers Working" describes the round-the-clock maintenance needs and the impacts of improved cleaning and root control on reducing Sanitary Sewer Overflows.
Sewer Collection, Department of Public Works, North Attleboro, Massachusetts
Lists the types of pipes in the town collection system and their expected service life as well as the work that goes into maintaining their buried infrastructure.
Sewer and Lateral Maintenance Information, Water Pollution Control Authority, Ridgefield, Connecticut (PDF) (2 pp., 257 KB)
Brochure uses a graphic and text to describe the sewer lateral connecting a house to the street and the many factors contributing to blockages and backups.
Sanitary Sewers FAQs, City of Oak Forest, Illinois
Graphic shows a service line connecting to the city system and outlines property owner responsibilities, done in a frequently asked questions format that includes what to do in case of a backup.
Sanitary Overflows 101, City of Irving, California (PDF) (12 pp., 270 KB)
Graphics and text are used to define the collection system, the wastewater treatment plants, and the stormwater system. Also discusses business/homeowner responsibilities, the causes and risks of SSOs, and what the city is doing to prevent them.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows, Hawaii Water Environment Association
Includes a section Ten Terms to Help You Better Understand Your Sewer System.
Knowing Your System
Inspection & Assessment
Developing a Manhole or Catch Basin Numbering System
As communities work to preserve and improve their wastewater collection systems, it's important to maintain an inventory of collection system components and have a process for managing the information that's gathered through inspection, maintenance, assessment and repairs. Review some of the factors to consider when assigning identifiers to manholes or catch basins and creating a foundation for an inventory of all system components.CMOM Program Self-Assessment Checklist 2003, US EPA (PDF) (27 pp., 166 KB)
A screening-level tool to help systems evaluate their CMOM programs and identify general areas of strength and weakness.SEWER: Period of Discovery, Municipal Sewer & Water Magazine, September 2008
Article describes the steps taken by the Warwick Rhode Island Sewer Authority as they developed a comprehensive CMOM program including inspections, cleaning and the compilation of inspection/asset information in a GIS database.Five Steps for Reversing Infrastructure Aging, Water Utility Management, September 2008
The Marblehead Massachusetts Water and Sewer Commission reports that after adopting a five-step, systematic approach to infrastructure asset management that included inspection and inventory, they've reduced their system failures and backups and helped improve both the condition of their assets and their allocation of resources and budget.Sewer Inspections, Town of Amherst, New York
Visual inspections of manholes and sewers, CCTV, and testing with smoke and dye are routine and essential duties for the Sewer Maintenance Division crews, helping them troubleshoot and minimize system problems.Sewer System Inspection, King County, Washington (PDF) (2 pp., 63 KB)
Fact sheet describing the King County Wastewater Treatment Division I/I inspection program discusses some basic inspectional practices: CCTV, smoke testing and dye testing.Sanitary Sewer Televising, City of Oak Forest, Illinois
Explains the purchase of equipment and how it is used; photos show before and after cleaning.Video Sewer Inspections, Fairfield-Public Utilities, Fairfield, Ohio
A brief introduction and three short videos show how the city inspection program uses remote cameras to identify potential problems in the sanitary sewer lines.Inspection Forms, Appendix F, Optimizing Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems, 2003 New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (PDF) (11 pp., 277 KB)
Inspection forms (e.g., Manhole Inspection, Pump Station Inspection) from a number of sources can be adapted to fit specific collection system needs.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
What is GIS?, 3 Rivers Wet Weather Demonstration Program, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Briefly describes GIS and some of its uses and benefits for managing information in municipal government. Includes one page fact sheet Geographic Information System (PDF) (1 p., 89 KB).GIS to the Rescue, Government Engineering, the Journal for Public Infrastructure (PDF) (2 pp., 186 KB)
The use of GIS, along with other tools and technologies, is helping Columbus, Ohio identify I/I sources and solutions through more efficient management and analysis of extensive digital data. Includes a discussion on the funding gap between system needs and spending, and the importance of making a sound business case when seeking funding for infrastructure rehab.Making the Most of It, Government Engineering, the Journal for Public Infrastructure (PDF) (2 pp., 234 KB)
By building a GIS and utilizing handheld units in the field, workers in Waterbury, CT mapped manholes and performed condition assessment at the same time - saving time and money and helping the city improve planning, reporting and maintenance.County Quantifies Critical Infrastructure, Government Engineering, the Journal for Public Infrastructure (PDF) (2 pp., 102 KB)
Case study details the technology and steps involved in capturing dozens of feature types, and up to 15 attributes per feature in the field, using a mobile GIS and Global Positioning System (GPS) bundle of software and hardware.
Operations & Maintenance
Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation Techniques, Chapter 7, Optimizing Operation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) (PDF) (18 pp., 100 KB)
Discusses the basics of effective inspection, cleaning, and rehabilitation - key processes for optimizing the proper functioning of a collection system.
To access the entire manual
Wastewater Treatment Works Compliance Maintenance Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
This site includes a list of references for sanitary sewer collection system operation and maintenance programs.
Sewer Maintenance, Columbus, Missouri
Site describes the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Section’s aggressive preventive maintenance program. Includes photos and outlines the steps taken to assess and address problems.
Sanitary Sewer Operations & Maintenance, Newport News, Virginia
Site describes the city's AIMS (Analysis, Inspection, Maintenance and Support) programs.
Developing a Manhole or Catch Basin Numbering System
As communities work to preserve and improve their wastewater collection systems, it's important to maintain an inventory of collection system components and have a process for managing the information that's gathered through inspection, maintenance, assessment and repairs. Review some of the factors to consider when assigning identifiers to manholes or catch basins and creating a foundation for an inventory of all system components.
Cleaning
Sanitary Sewer Cleaning, Town of Amherst, New York
Pictures and text are used to explain the high pressure flushing, root cutters, bucket machines, and vacuum trucks used in the 5 different cleaning areas of the town.Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Maps, Apple Valley, Minnesota
2009 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning (PDF) (1 p., 495 KB)
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
Fats, Oils and Grease, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
Overview information, training presentations, and tools and resources from around the nation on programs to prevent and control FOG.Preventing Sewer Overflows, Fats, Oils and Grease, Greensboro Water Resources
Documents in English, Spanish and Chinese, including a FOG policy, FOG enforcement response policy, Best Management Practices, and fact sheets for restaurants.Fat Free Sewers, Warwick Sewer Authority, Warwick, Rhode Island
Homeowner tips on some very simple steps for preventing sewerage back-ups and overflows by reducing the amount of grease disposed to the sewerCalifornia Fats, Oils & Grease Workgroup
The wastewater agency, regulators, consulting firms, restaurants, and related industries develop FOG control tools and provide technical support and information.Cease the Grease, Recycle, Daphne Utilities, Daphne, Alabama
Program to:
- educate citizens about FOG
- collect grease and cooking oil in recycle stations around the community
- produce biodiesel fuels for use in utility trucks and heavy equipment
Root Control
Sanitary Sewer Root Control, Virginia Beach, Virginia
The city posts information about its root control program, including contacts and schedule.
Customer Service
Good Service Request Systems Keep Customers Happy, Technical Bulletin, June 2006, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
Numerous systems are used to handle daily service requests and customer complaints. This paper discusses some of the essential elements that are key to a successful system, and how to plan such a system based on your community's needs and resources.
Contracting for Services
Qualification Based Selection: An MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) Guide for Procuring Engineering Services in Tennessee, Technical Bulletin, June 2006, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee (PDF) (36 pp., 313 KB)
Paper outlines a process for selecting and obtaining professional services to help ensure success for both the owner and contractor.Should Your City Consider Privatization? Technical Bulletin, June 2006, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
Provides a short primer on "the ins and outs of outsourcing".
Personnel
Sewer Maintenance Worker, Manhattan Beach, California
Defines the position and outlines the job functions, qualifications, physical demands, and working environment for a sewer maintenance worker.
Capacity
Managing Infiltration Inflow in Collection Systems, Revised 2006, Technical Bulletin, June 2006, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
Many systems don't address I/I because the problems seem overwhelming—both in terms of money and manpower. This paper discusses different strategies for dealing with I/I: "The Traditional Way: Bring in the Outside Experts" and the "The Operator's Way: Use In-House Resources". The best approach may be a combination of the two.
Inflow & Infiltration Program, Metropolitan Council Environmental Services, St. Paul, Minnesota
The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) owns and operates eight wastewater treatment facilities and an extensive interceptor system, and connects to more than 100 sewer systems in local communities. In addition to adopting a policy to not provide additional interceptor capacity to handle excessive I/I, the Council established I/I goals for all communities that discharge wastewater to the system and a surcharge program for communities with excessive I/I problems. Some MCES and related links:
Infiltration & Inflow Tool Box (PDF) (43 pp., 500 KB)
This "toolbox" or guide highlights programs and products as potential solutions to I/I problems that communities can use.2008 Infiltration/Inflow Surcharge Procedures Manual (PDF) (28 pp., 213 KB)
Inflow and Infiltration Inspection Program, Golden Valley, Minnesota
Describes the program being implemented in an effort to reduce I/I and avoid surcharges from MCES.Guide and Requirements to I/I Inspections, Golden Valley, Minnesota
Information to help property owners prepare for I/I inspections.Infiltration and Inflow in Apple Valley, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Animation flash story explains why a homeowner should not be connecting their sump pump to the sewer.
Regional Infiltration and Inflow Program, King County, Washington
The King County Regional Infiltration and Inflow Control Program was created to reduce the amount of peak wet weather flow entering the County's wastewater conveyance system. The Wastewater Management Division must provide adequate capacity in its system to convey and treat wastewater flows sent by member communities through their collection systems.
What is Infiltration and Inflow?
Storm Water and Ground Water in the Sewer is a Regional Problem, Brochure (PDF) (4 pp., 1.84 MB)
Sewer System Inspection (PDF) (2 pp., 63 KB)
Smoke Testing Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (2 pp., 41 KB)
Countywide Inflow and Infiltration Elimination Program, Metropolitan Sewer District, Louisville, Kentucky
Explained on a neighborhood basis, the District I&I Program focuses on I&I reductions through flow monitoring, field investigation, and infrastructure rehabilitation. This web site explains the causes of I/I, why clear water should not be in the sanitary sewer system, and the sewer overflows and basement back ups that can result. Includes graphic depictions of proper residential connections.
Inflow & Infiltration
Graphic shows improper residential connections that contribute inflow to the sanitary sewer line; describes the methods used to identify sources of clear water in the sewer system.High School Inflow Source Identification Program
A public/private partnership with high school students assisting in the investigation of wet weather sewer problems.
Infiltration and Inflow can be Costly for Communities, Pipeline, Spring 1999, National Small Flows Clearinghouse (PDF) (8 pp., 783 KB)
Basic information on the causes of I/I and why communities should care, how to conduct an assessment for I/I, and steps for reducing I/I.
Inflow & Infiltration, Lake Superior Streams
A color graphic depicts causes of I&I; photos are used to describe footing drains in older homes and their contribution to the inflow of clear water into a sanitary sewer system.
Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Control Program Issue Update, November 2007, City of Owosso Michigan (PDF) (2 pp., 35 KB)
Recognizing that a major source of excess flow from private property is from basement or foundation footing drains, the city embarked on a demonstration project to finance a number of individual gravity footing drain separations.
Dealing with Private Property Programs - What Really Happens, Water Environment Federation Webcast, August 24, 2005 (PDF) (30 pp., 208 KB)
Speakers from the Austin Texas Water Utility, the Downers Grove Sanitary District in Illinois, and the city of Salem, Oregon discuss their perspectives and experiences in pursuing private property in their efforts to reduce I/I.
Sump Pump Amnesty Program, Frequently Asked Questions, Waltham, Massachusetts
A program to help homeowners disconnect and redirect sump pumps that are currently connected to the sewer system.
- Brochure (PDF) (7 pp., 376 KB)
Identification and Termination of Unlawful Connections, Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania (PDF) (6 pp., 211 KB)
Describes the purpose and process for their detailed program to identify and terminate connections that discharge stormwater from their properties to the sanitary sewer system.
Voluntary Service Lateral Program, San Luis Obispo, California
This Voluntary Service Lateral Rehabilitation Program was established to address the I/I problems experienced during the rainy season. Information about the requirements for participation, pipe evaluation process, pros and cons of various rehabilitation options, and the rebate.
Residential Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program – Policies and Procedures, Chesterfield, Missouri
In 2000, the City of Chesterfield voted for an annual fee to pay the cost of certain repairs of defective sewer laterals from residential buildings. Find a copy of the application, policy and procedures, and hold harmless agreement.
Asset Management
Asset Management for Sewer Collection Systems, Fact Sheet, 2002, USEPA Office of Wastewater Management (PDF) (16 pp., 896 KB)
Discusses the concept of asset management and the components of an asset management system for a sewer collection network. Also describes asset management as it relates to Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance (CMOM), Government Accounting Standards Board Statement 34 (GASB 34) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
Five Steps for Reversing Infrastructure Aging, Water Utility Management, September 2008
The Marblehead, Massachusetts Water and Sewer Commission reports that after adopting a five-step, systematic approach to infrastructure asset management they've reduced their system failures and backups and helped improve both the condition of their assets and their allocation of resources and budget.
Asset Management Train-the-Trainer Course and Total Electronic Asset Management Software (TEAMS), Maryland Center for Environmental Training, College of Southern Maryland
This course covers the establishment of management teams, developing objectives, conducting asset inventory and condition assessments, developing maintenance and rehabilitation programs, capital improvement planning and program administration. The curriculum, complete with trainers guides, can be downloaded from the site. Links are included for ordering a copy of the software program.
Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) can help you develop a record of your assets, a schedule of required tasks, an understanding of your financial situation, and a tailored asset management plan
Bridging the Gap: An Educational Primer on Sustainable Water Infrastructure Asset Management, Pennsylvania State University
An on-line video designed to help elected officials and system managers make smart choices as they address infrastructure issues. Outlines the key steps to developing an asset management plan for both novice and experienced professionals, provides an array of reference materials to support the central concepts, and includes real-world examples of emerging best practices and innovations in water asset management.
Developing a Manhole or Catch Basin Numbering System
As communities work to preserve and improve their wastewater collection systems, it's important to maintain an inventory of collection system components and have a process for managing the information that's gathered through inspection, maintenance, assessment and repairs. Review some of the factors to consider when assigning identifiers to manholes or catch basins and creating a foundation for an inventory of all system components.
Finance
Work Order Systems Mean Better Financial Management, Technical Bulletin, June 2006, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
This paper describes the basic elements of financial and work order systems. A complete work order system can enhance the financial manager's control and accountability of any project; the better the financial management system, the more viable a work order system becomes.
Financial Dashboard, Environmental Finance Center, Boise State University
Provides software and tools for knowing the current and future financial status of your water system as an integral part of responsible management.
Special Billing Program, Austin, Texas
A database system that tracks trouble calls, work orders, service requests and all costs associated with a particular job helps Austin, Texas make those businesses that cause an SSO responsible for reimbursing the utility for expenses related to the incident.
What Happens when you pay your water bill?, City Connections, Kerrville, Texas
The Kerrville, Texas Finance Director explains how the revenue from utility bills pays for current operations and maintenance, and prepares for future needs such as facility upgrades and replacing aging equipment.
Outreach on Sanitary Sewer Overflows
Sewer and Lateral Maintenance Information, Water Pollution Control Authority, Ridgefield, Connecticut (PDF) (2 pp., 257 KB)
Brochure uses a graphic and text to describe the sewer lateral connecting a house to the street and the many factors contributing to blockages and backups.
Sanitary Overflows 101, City of Irving, California (PDF) (12 pp., 270 KB)
Graphics and text are used to define the collection system, the wastewater treatment plants, and the stormwater system. Also discusses business/homeowner responsibilities, the causes and risks of SSOs, and what the city is doing to prevent them.
Sanitary Sewer Overflow Report, Newport News, Virginia
The Wastewater Division provides an annual summary of the reportable Sanitary Sewer Overflows that have occurred within the city limits.
Preventing Sewage Overflows and Spills, Hawaii Water Environment Association
Includes photos, graphics and explanatory text.
Backup Prevention Program, Johnson County, Kansas (PDF) (12 pp., 7.89 MB)
After the extensive damage to many Johnson County homes and businesses from an October 1998 storm, this program was developed to reduce the number of sanitary sewer backups that may occur during significant rain events.
Resident Guide to Sanitary Sewer Overflows, Upper Gwynedd Township, Pennsylvania
Fact sheet answers questions about SSOs: What are they? Why are they a problem? What can we do about them?
What you need to know about: Sewer Overflows, Water and Wastewater, Raleigh, North Carolina
A list of Dos and Don'ts for residential customers.
Sewer Blockages and Backups, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (PDF) (4 pp., 132 KB)
Brochure for customers that discusses the responsibility for service laterals and steps to take should a problem occur.
Understanding Sanitary Sewer Overflows, Bristol, Rhode Island (PDF) (2 pp., 198 KB)
Brochure discusses the factors contributing to SSOs (e.g. FOG, disposable wipes, I/I), what citizens can do to help, and Bristol's efforts against the causes of SSOs.
Sewer Problems? Things to Know, City of Apple Valley, Minnesota (PDF) (3 pp., 234 KB)
Brochure on the steps to take should a back-up into a building occur. Includes discussion on insurance, documenting damage, and cleanup.
Guidance on Cleaning Up After Sanitary Sewer Overflows, Colorado Department of Public Health (PDF) (2 pp., 19 KB)
Along with odor problems, sewage backups can cause property damage and unhealthy living conditions.
Outreach on Sustaining the Infrastructure
Water Is Life and Infrastructure Makes it Happen
This public education program from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is designed to educate the general public, local leaders, and the media about the value of the water and wastewater infrastructure, and the importance of investing in its long term stability. Refer to the "Tookit" menu to find presentations, bill stuffers, and other materials.
Liquid Assets – The Story of our Water Infrastructure
This 90-minute documentary focuses on our water, wastewater, and storm water infrastructure systems and the role they play in public health and the economy. The program explores the history, engineering, and political and economic challenges of our water infrastructure, and aims to engage communities in local discussions about public water and wastewater issues.
What Happens when you pay your water bill?, City Connections, Kerrville, Texas
The Kerrville, Texas Finance Director explains how the revenue from utility bills pays for current operations and maintenance, and prepares for future needs such as facility upgrades and replacing aging equipment.
General References
Water and Wastewater Management, Updated December 2008, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
An introductory manual on how to improve the leadership, management and operations of a water/wastewater system. Divided into three parts, the manual includes information on duties and obligations, and dealing with financial, legal, technical and regulatory issues. While some content is specific to Tennessee, much of it is broadly applicable.
Optimizing Operation, Maintenance and Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems, 2003 New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
This manual helps collection system owners and operators optimize system performance, enhance effectiveness of maintenance programs, and reduce the long-term costs of operation.
Preparing for Media Interviews, Technical Bulletin, January 2007, Municipal Technical Advisory Service, University of Tennessee
Tips and strategies to help municipal officials prepare for news media interviews.