What kind of flow condition can lead to overloading of a mechanical treatment system?

High peak flow conditions can lead to the overloading of a mechanical treatment system because these scenarios often involve a sudden influx of wastewater that exceeds the system's designed capacity for handling flow rates. Mechanical treatment systems, which include processes such as screening, sedimentation, and activated sludge systems, are engineered to manage certain flow volumes and characteristics. When the actual flow significantly spikes—such as during storm events or due to inflow and infiltration from rainwater—this can overwhelm the treatment system.

In the case of high peak flow, the increased volume of water can dilute the concentration of pollutants, adversely affecting the biological treatment processes, and can also lead to insufficient detention time for effective treatment. In the worst-case scenario, such overloading can result in untreated or partially treated wastewater being discharged into the environment, posing public health and environmental risks.