Sewer systems are made up of various components that work together to transport wastewater from homes and buildings to a facility for treatment.

Most often, water and wastewater utilities operate using a separate budget from the municipality’s general budget. And that budget is typically divided between operation and maintenance (O&M) and capital spending, with a higher portion of funds used for O&M, according to a 2020 municipal water and wastewater infrastructure funding study by H2O Insights. 

Sewer systems and septic systems serve the same general purpose: providing a means for disposal of wastewater from homes and buildings to protect communities and ensure water quality. Both systems filter out black water and gray water, as well as bacteria and pathogens before the water is reintroduced into the environment.

By simple definition, wastewater is water that’s been used. Wastewater originates from both residential and commercial sources, including toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers.

Sewer cleaning removes unwanted materials, such as non-biodegradable debris or grease and sludge build-up, from a pipe. Most sewer cleanings occur as part of a routine maintenance program, though cleaners also respond to emergency callouts for overflowing or damaged lines.

Crawler inspections can be conducted in a number of different ways, but all serve the same purpose: to assess the condition of a pipe. Because there is little we can find out about a pipe’s condition from above ground, utilizing technology to gather insight underground is essential. 

The word ‘essential’ when describing an employee or business has become an iconic phrase associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some non-essential businesses have temporarily closed or found alternative ways to provide services to their customers by observing social distancing. But other businesses are deemed essential and must stay operable during the crisis, providing necessary services to communities including healthcare, law enforcement, transportation and the water and wastewater industry.  

In a matter of days, COVID-19 has changed day-to-day life around the world. Across North America panicked consumers are stocking up on essential household items—including toilet paper. But as supplies run low, the public is turning towards alternatives to compensate: paper towels, disinfecting wipes, baby wipes and so-called “flushable” wipes.

These items present a threat of their own, as they can cause major problems in sewer systems.

Manholes are vertical underground confined spaces used by utility personnel as a point of access to a sewer system.