What is one source of excessive clear water that can infiltrate a collection system?

High water table infiltration is a significant source of excessive clear water that can infiltrate a collection system. When the water table rises, it exerts hydrostatic pressure on the sewer system, allowing groundwater to seep into the pipes. This infiltration can occur through joints, cracks, or other defects in the sewer infrastructure, leading to increased flow in the system during periods of high groundwater levels.

Understanding the dynamics of water tables is crucial for managing collection systems because excessive infiltration can overwhelm sewage treatment facilities, leading to operational challenges and potential environmental issues, such as combined sewer overflows. Identifying high water table conditions helps operators develop strategies to mitigate this source of infiltration and improve the overall efficiency of the collection system.