By Lucas Elsbernd on October 18, 2023
Category: Blog

Wastewater collection systems: evaluating and planning

Before sewage/wastewater is discharged or reused, it must be properly collected from homes, businesses and industries. A wastewater or sewer collection system is primarily designed to collect and move flows to a downstream treatment plant. As sewage flow moves, it encounters pressure and gravity. The construction of sewer structures such as collection systems, lift stations and pump stations facilitate sewage collection. Typically, wastewater collection systems are of three types:The operation and maintenance of a wastewater collection system are integral to complying with national and local wastewater treatment standards. An experienced team of wastewater engineers can help your community analyze different factors for the evaluation and planning of wastewater collection systems.

Key factors for evaluating and planning wastewater collection systems

The location and size of a wastewater collection system in a community are determined based on development area, terrain and projected flows. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates there are at least 40,000 SSOs each year, which can contaminate water and threaten public health. The EPA guide for evaluating capacity, management, operation and maintenance (CMOM) programs at wastewater collection systems emphasizes proactive prevention and better response to SSOs. The following are some of the critical factors that communities should consider when evaluating and planning wastewater collection systems to prevent SSOs.
 

Critical factors for evaluating and planning wastewater collection systems

Flow monitoring evaluation

Flow assessment has three main components:

 
  • Dry weather flow. Refers to normal wastewater production.

  • Peak inflow (rainfall-induced inflow and infiltration). The increased volume of the water in a collection system after rainfall.

  • Slow infiltration. Infiltration of groundwater causes an increase in sewer flow.  

 

The peak response is also a critical factor in determining how quickly the collection system responds to quantify the peak inflow and infiltration. The flow measuring equipment and rainfall gauges gather real-time data to support the flow monitoring process.      

Capacity evaluation

Evaluating the capacity of a wastewater collection system is based on:

 
  • Analyzing and estimating dry weather flow, peak inflow and slow infiltration. 

  • Determining system capacity based on pipe material, size and slope.

  • Projecting growth.

Condition assessment

Assessing the condition of a wastewater collection system is a vital part of the utility’s asset management program. Without condition assessment, several collection systems slip into reactive mode with operational resources allocated to emergency response and replacement of failed components. 


Wastewater collection systems represent major capital assets for communities. As equipment and facilities deteriorate, it is important for communities to evaluate and plan the upgrade, repair and maintenance of collection systems. For most sewer networks, using GIS offers advantages over conventional plan drawings or CAD maps. An experienced team of wastewater engineers helps with the technical knowledge in designing, constructing and maintaining required structures in a sewage collection system.

Partner with Fehr Graham to evaluate and plan wastewater collection systems

Fehr Graham employs experienced wastewater engineers and other licensed professionals. Our team has helped communities strengthen wastewater infrastructure since the 1970s. We provide end-to-end assistance on everything related to effective and affordable wastewater treatment, including overseeing construction, conducting routine maintenance and repair, and securing funding.

When evaluating and planning wastewater collection systems, we use the latest technologies, including LIDAR contours/surface elevation, to determine the area that can be served by a gravity collection system. The result is improved operational, environmental and financial performance of wastewater collection systems in your community.

To learn more about how Fehr Graham can help you with evaluating and planning wastewater collection systems in your community, contact us or call 563.927.2060.

Lucas Elsbernd, a Professional Engineer and Senior Project Manager, finds innovative solutions to challenging water and wastewater projects. He manages municipal, commercial and industrial planning and design projects in the water resources environment. He fosters a positive client experience and collaborates with leaders throughout the firm on project pursuits and technical issues. Lucas is one of the firm’s water and wastewater experts. He has a strong technical knowledge of water and wastewater treatment design and construction engineering. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at our Manchester office: 563.927.2060.