Which challenge is associated with inflow and infiltration due to weather events?

Inflow and infiltration (I/I) refers to the unwanted introduction of stormwater and groundwater into the sewer system, particularly during heavy rainfall or weather events. When significant precipitation occurs, excess water can enter the wastewater collection system through cracks, leaks, or poorly sealed joints in pipes. This influx of additional water can overwhelm the capacity of treatment facilities, leading to increased treatment costs and potential system failure.

The increased volume of water that must be processed puts stress on both the infrastructure and the treatment processes, requiring more resources and potentially leading to inefficiencies or breakdowns. This can result in untreated or partially treated sewage being discharged into the environment, which raises significant public health concerns and environmental issues. Therefore, the association of I/I challenges with increased treatment costs and the risk of system failure underscores the importance of managing inflow and infiltration effectively to maintain a reliable and efficient wastewater collection system.

Other options do not accurately reflect the realities or consequences of increased inflow and infiltration during weather events. For example, decreased public health concerns or improved water quality are not typically outcomes associated with I/I, and the complexity of waste sorting does not directly relate to the challenges posed by inflow and infiltration.