What is the expected impact of high infiltration rates on wastewater treatment facilities?

High infiltration rates can lead to increased operational costs for wastewater treatment facilities. This occurs because when there is a high level of infiltration, there is a significant increase in the volume of water that needs to be treated. This excess water can come from groundwater seeping into sewer systems, which is often referred to as inflow and infiltration (I&I). The treatment facilities must handle this additional volume, resulting in higher energy consumption, the need for more chemicals, and potential wear and tear on equipment.

When facilities experience increased flows due to high infiltration rates, they may also need to expand capacity or invest in more resources and equipment to maintain effective treatment processes. This ultimately raises the operational costs associated with running the facility, as they must be prepared to manage and treat greater quantities of wastewater while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.