Inflow and Infiltration (I & I)
The Town of Acton Engineering Division has worked with our consultant, Woodard and Curran, to conduct several studies to identify Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) entering the sewer system. Inflow and Infiltration is the introduction of water into a municipal sewer system as the result of direct inflow from external sources such as a sump pump, roof leaders, French drains, or driveway drains and etc. Inflow and Infiltration can also occur via infiltration of groundwater and rainwater due to leaks in the infrastructure.
There are several reasons why it is important to prevent I & I from entering the sewer system. Sewer backups and overflows are a public health risk and can harm the surrounding environment. Sewer backups and overflows also lead to higher sewer bills and reduced property values. Preventing I & I also reduces the amount of water traveling through our pump stations, which in turn increases the service life of the aforementioned pumps and frees up capacity in our system to allow for future connections. Additionally, the reduction of this amount of water will reduce the cost to the Town and its users.
Woodard and Curran have investigated and identified areas where excessive amounts of clean water are infiltrating into the Town's sewer system. As a result of these investigations, letters were sent to properties identified as having active clear flow into the system. The property owner is required to remove the excess flow from the sewer system within 90 days of receipt of the letter. Failure to comply could result in a fine.