Why Are We Still Talking About I/I? – Answers From Statewide Studies
The only statewide study of I/I shows that leakage is getting worse since 2016. Last year, EPA estimated that the cost nationally to correct I/I related problems in sewers has increased by a third since 2012: to $12.64 billion. A simple, open-source Excel spreadsheet tool will be described for use by wastewater system operators. They can use daily data that they already collect for determining the level of I/I and RDI/I in their collection system and evaluate the effectiveness of sewer rehabilitation work. An operator can analyze a year’s data in 20 minutes. New examples will be included.
George E. Kurz, P.E., DEE
Independent Consultant and Researcher – Sewer Capacity Management
George has 46 years of experience as a government and private engineering consultant focused on improving effectiveness and efficiency in municipal sewer systems. He believes that I/I is the most significant problem facing most operators, but that the true magnitude of the problem is underestimated and has been largely overlooked. He is a specialist in detecting, measuring, and stopping I/I in sewage collection systems. George developed standard methods for measuring effectiveness of rehabilitation using flow monitoring and existing treatment plant data.
