Many of us are familiar with the rotten egg smell associated with sewers. But few people know the real cause behind this distinctive odor. Here’s the rundown on this stinky situation.

Envirosight’s newest poster details the causes of inflow and infiltration, or I&I. Inflow occurs when water from aboveground sources enters sewer systems through illegal or faulty connections or openings. Infiltration happens when stormwater seeps through cracks, joints or manholes into sewer pipes. Together, I&I consists of water that does not have to be treated but ends up in a treatment plant anyway. 

Purchasing a sewer inspection crawler is a significant investment for any municipality. It’s a time-consuming process that involves research, resources and multiple decision-makers. You know that your new crawler’s performance is vital to your organization’s success, but how do you make sure you choose the right system for your needs?

Root intrusion is a common cause of sewer pipe damage. If not properly addressed, root-related issues can wreak havoc on a municipality’s wastewater collection system. Luckily, there are many solutions available to municipalities looking to implement root control measures.

Communities are constantly changing, and the demands on infrastructure evolve with them. Recent census results revealed that the U.S. population grew by 7.4% over the last decade. And movement within the country means that many states grew even faster.

The vast majority of sewer systems are built to take advantage of gravity, with sewer lines sloping downward to convey waste to a treatment plant. Although lift stations and force mains can be used when water must be moved uphill, slope is a critical consideration for the design and maintenance of a sewer system.

Envirosight’s latest infographic depicts key steps in digital workflows for wastewater inspection. Municipalities and contractors can use it to help identify weaknesses in their current flow and understand how digital solutions can increase efficiency across the board.

Boasting a new federal investment of $550 billion in American communities, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal recently passed by the senate is expected to boost the US economy by creating jobs and enhancing sustainability efforts. With new infrastructure ranging from interstate highways and electric buses to lead-free service lines and resilient water infrastructure, the deal is likely to affect nearly all municipal sectors. Its impact will be positively felt in communities for decades to come. In particular, the water and wastewater industries will benefit from historic clean water initiatives and significant infrastructure overhauls in areas of the country most impacted by floods and droughts.