POINT OF SALE DYE TESTING
Water seeping out of a cracked sewer pipe is bad. Rainwater leaking into a sanitary sewer system is a headache. Both put a strain on wastewater treatment facilities. But an even bigger issue would be your sewage finding its way into neighboring soils and polluting groundwater.
Point of Sale Dye Testing is one way to deter inflow and infiltration (I&I). Inflow is excessive stormwater from roof gutters, basement sump pumps and foundation drains. Infiltration finds its way into sewer pipes through cracks, leaky pipe joints or deteriorated manholes through groundwater. Dye testing can detect cracked or broken laterals and improper connections to sanitary sewer system.
A sanitary sewer system is designed of underground gravity pipes, manholes, pump or lift stations, control facilities, and force mains that collect and transport sewage from residences, businesses and industries. It conveys your sewage from bathrooms, sinks, kitchens, laundry, etc, to a wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment plant then filters, treats and discharges that waste back into the water supply.
Did you know that the Economy Borough Municipal Authority (EBMA) oversees 97 miles of the area’s public sewer collection system with eleven pump stations and a wastewater treatment plant?
EBMA staff and the five member board of directors take their responsibility very seriously as they work to ensure the public sewer system remains in good condition. Buildings and equipment are regularly checked for wear and tear and substantial money has been reinvested into aging infrastructure such as terra cotta pipes.
Combating I&I never ends. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, it takes an estimated $2 to $5 per thousand gallon to treat I&I. An annual I&I volume of 150 million gallons could cost between a range of $300,000 – $750,000 per year to treat.
Why should you care?
The lateral pipe from the house to the main sewer pipe connection is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain.
Storm water systems are designed to carry rainfall runoff and other drainage. The sanitary sewer systems are not.
Sanitary sewer systems are also not designed to treat clear water. If nothing is done to keep the excessive storm water out, significant upgrades will be needed. Treatment and upgrades cost a lot of money.
No one wants to spend money on something you can’t even see.
And, no one wants to pay more in a higher monthly sewage bill.
Point of Sale Dye Testing is one way to help stop inflow and infiltration.