Infiltration can cause system overload because it introduces which of the following into the sewer system?

Infiltration can cause system overload because it introduces which of the following into the sewer system?

• A. Rainwater entering the sewer system
• B. Air infiltration
• C. Groundwater seeping into the sewer system
• D. Industrial effluent

Answer: (C)

Infiltration is groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks, joints, and other defects in the sewer lines. When the surrounding soil is wet, this groundwater pushes into the sewer, adding extra water that the system must convey and treat. That additional volume can push the sewer beyond its capacity, leading to overload, higher pressures, and possible overflows. This is different from rainwater entering the sewer, which is called inflow and comes from surface runoff or direct connections; it's a separate source of added water. Air entering the system and industrial wastewater are not examples of infiltration. Groundwater seeping in is the key factor that increases liquid load and risks system overload.

Infiltration is groundwater entering sewer pipes through cracks, joints, and other defects in the sewer lines. When the surrounding soil is wet, this groundwater pushes into the sewer, adding extra water that the system must convey and treat. That additional volume can push the sewer beyond its capacity, leading to overload, higher pressures, and possible overflows. This is different from rainwater entering the sewer, which is called inflow and comes from surface runoff or direct connections; it's a separate source of added water. Air entering the system and industrial wastewater are not examples of infiltration. Groundwater seeping in is the key factor that increases liquid load and risks system overload.