What is the main purpose of manholes in wastewater systems?

The primary purpose of manholes in wastewater systems is to provide access to sewers. This access is essential for maintenance, inspection, and repairs of the sewer infrastructure without the need for extensive excavation. Manholes allow maintenance personnel to enter and navigate through the sewer lines safely, facilitating the removal of blockages, the inspection of sewer health, and ensuring the proper functionality of the wastewater system.

While controlling the flow of wastewater, monitoring water quality, and installing treatment equipment are important aspects of wastewater management, they are not the fundamental role of manholes. Manholes serve as access points, which can aid in these other functions but do not directly perform these tasks themselves. Their design and placement are crucial for operational efficiency, making them a vital component of the overall sewer system.