Rainfall-derived Infiltration and Inflow (RDII) into sanitary sewer
systems has long been recognized as a source of operating problems in
sewerage systems. RDII is the main cause of sanitary sewer overflows
(SSOs) to basements, streets, or nearby streams and can also cause
serious operating problems at wastewater treatment facilities. SSOs
usually contain high levels of pathogenic microorganisms, suspended
solids, toxic pollutants, floatables, nutrients, oxygen-demanding
organic components, and oil and grease. There are serious concerns of
potential health and environmental risks associated with these
discharges. The Nation's sanitary sewer infrastructure is aging, with
some sewers dating back over 100 years. Nationwide, there are more than
19,500 municipal sanitary sewer collection systems serving an estimated
150 million people and about 40,000 SSO events per year.