Some Factors Affecting Inflow and Infiltration from Residential Sources in a Core Urban Area: Case Study in a Columbus, Ohio, Neighborhood

AbstractStormwater infiltration and inflow are major contributors to sewer flow, and thus they can be significant triggers for combined and sanitary sewer overflows, both of which introduce contaminants to surface waters. There are few estimates of private residential rainfall-dependent inflow and infiltration (RDII), and this paper proposes that a rapid and cost-effective means to locate points of significant stormwater entry into the sewer system would be advantageous for combined and sanitary sewer management. The authors studied the collection system in the Barthman-Parsons area of Columbus, Ohio, performing detailed drainage and connectivity investigations on 116 private houses located in areas served by separated sanitary sewers. Sources of inflow and infiltration (I/I) were identified for private residential properties, which could include sump pumps, foundation drains, downspouts, cleanouts, yard drains, and defective service laterals. The authors then developed estimates of I/I contributions from...