Most utilities know inflow and infiltration (I&I) is consuming collection-system capacity. The harder question is where to act first. This eShowcase shows how flow monitoring narrows a systemwide problem into a focused investigation, using Emerald Coast Utilities Authority in Pensacola, Florida as a working example. After a 4-inch rain event triggered high-water alarms at five lift stations, ECUA used re-deployable flow and level monitoring to reduce its search from miles of gravity main to a couple hundred feet, where crews identified six to eight lateral breaks admitting stormwater to the sanitary system.
Learning objectives:
- Compare dry-weather flow, wet-weather flow, and rainfall data to identify where I&I is concentrated
- Match monitoring technology to site conditions rather than standardizing one device across a system
- Use monitoring data to target smoke testing, CCTV and rehabilitation spending
Speakers:
Vincent Favre, North American Manager, Flow-Tronic S.A.
George Elaro, Sales Engineer, Badger Meter
Mark E. Robertson II, PE, Manager of Wastewater Infrastructure, Emerald Coast Utilities Authority