Water, Water Everywhere! - Overview of Sustainable Collection System Strategies for Effective Wet Weather Flow Management

Abstract

This paper provides an overview and case study of sustainable collection system strategies for effective wet weather flow management. The goal is to encourage engineers, planners, and designers developing wet weather improvement plans to take a holistic approach to wet weather facility planning that includes all system components (collection system, treatment facilities, and private service lines/connections). Principles and guidance for collection system management in the 21 st century that were recently developed and published by both the Water Environment Federation and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies are highlighted. In light of the current regulatory and economic climate, utilities must stay focused on their primary mission of managing water quality to minimize risks to public health and the environment while at the same time balancing user rates and customer’s level of service expectations. This paper discusses strategies that will allow utilities to achieve these objectives.