Sewer Systems
The Water Flow
Collection Systems
Help Us Keep Wastewater treatment doesn’t start at the plant, it starts in the
Sewers Clean: underground pipelines that take the wastewater to the plant.
The physical infrastructure (i.e. pipes, pumps, and channels)
used to move sewage to the point of treatment is called the
• DON’T pour
sewer system. Cities and towns have miles and miles of pipes
fats, oils, or
of various sizes. In some urban areas, sewage is carried sepagrease down rately in sanitary sewers and runoff from streets is carried in
the drain
storm drains. Maintenance is vital as sewer systems do have
problems such as pipes corroding, equipment breaking down, and materials such as
• DON’T put
brick/mortar crumbling. A collection system is not a sterile environment as bacteria
any food, hair, grows in the system. Control of the system involves ensuring the right type of bacteria
grows in it. The longer the time in any area means the more solids and grease can build
or solids
up. The most common cause of blockages are tree roots or grease. Lift stations are
down the
found along the system and these pump the water to a higher elevation. There is always
drains
some type of small biofilm in pipes and the speed of the water plays an important role in
the process. There are typically odor control issues with such systems. As you can see,
• DO report any
these systems must be effectively managed and maintained to minimize potential improblems you pacts on the water environment.
see with
water mains
or manholes
Main Components of a Sewer Collection System
immediately
•
Laterals - connects homes/businesses to the mains
•
Building Sewers - those that connect the building plumbing to the city sewers.
•
Clean Outs - allow access for maintenance of sewers or
locate blockages
•
Force Main - carries wastewater under pressure from the
site of a pump to a point of gravity flow.
•
Gravity Main - carries wastewater to the treatment plant
or a lift station. (not under pressure)
•
Lift Stations - lift or pump wastewater to a higher elevation when the route would
require it. They vary in size and type.
•
Maintenance Cover - an opening in the sewers for inspection or maintenance
• DO clean out
drains
regularly
• DO practice
safe disposal
of household
liquid waste
• DO learn
more about
how you can
help our
sewer
systems
SEWER SYSTEMS
(where “used” water travels through)
Biggest Collection System Concerns
Inflow and Infiltration (I & I) - the entrance of ground water or rain
water into the sewer system through cracks and/or leaks in the
sewer pipes. It is treating clear water that we shouldn’t have to
which results in added strain on a treatment plant.
ONE
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) - a non-permitted leakage
World
ONE
from a sanitary sewer system that have not been treated
Water
Environment by a treatment plant which is a violation of the Clean Water
Act. These occur due to grease blockages and periods of
heavy rain and possibly due to power outages at lift staFor more
information,
please
contact:
tions and treatment plants.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) - cooking with fats, oils, and
grease and then pouring them down the drain. FOG sticks to
household plumbing and sewer lines and over time blockages
Water
Environment
Association of
Ontario
www.weao.org
occur that lead to sewer backups and sometimes overflows.
Wastewater Collection Staff clean areas of the sewer system, perform daily sewer inspections,
and check lift stations regularly. In the event of a blockage, they would have to locate the area
and then clean it out. As part of regular maintenance, they would have to repair and replace
any necessary pipes and/or pumps. Safety and training programs are critical for staff members as their work is hazardous.
Address:
PO Box 176
Milton, ON
L9T 4N9
Phone:
416-410-6933
Fax:
416-410-1626
Email:
[email protected]
Photos on this page courtesy of Ian Smith, City of Toronto
WEAO will be the preeminent organization of technical and professional individuals dedicated to the
preservation and enhancement of Ontario's water environment.