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1. What is infiltration and inflow?

Infiltration and Inflow (I and I) refers to water from storm events and elevated groundwater tables entering the sanitary and combined sewer systems. Infiltration occurs as a result of elevated groundwater levels, not an individual rain event. This clean water can enter the system through cracked or broken sewer lines, open joints, or leaky manhole covers. Inflow is directly attributable to a rain event. Direct inflow occurs during the rain event, when clean water from roof leaders (downspouts), foundation and yard drains, and catch basins discharge into the sewer system. Delayed inflow refers to water that continues to enter the system days after a storm event has ended. Delayed inflow is usually the result of basement sump pumps. The Town of South Hadley has developed an I and I Control Plan as required by the Wastewater Treatment Plants NPDES Permit, and must implement the components of this plan over the course of the 5 years covered by the NPDES Permit.

2. Why should South Hadley residents be concerned?

Storm and ground waters are "clean" waters, which take up capacity in the sewer system. This can result in overflows to the environment, which is a violation for the town and must be reported to the State and EPA.

The discharge of "clean" waters to the municipal sewer system is prohibited under the Sewer Use Rules and Regulations for the Town of South Hadley. One component of the I and I Control Plan is to develop a formal program for addressing residential I and I in accordance with these regulations.

Conveying and treating "clean" water costs the town money.

Significant amounts of "clean" water in the system can disrupt the operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, making it more difficult to adequately treat the dirty water and maintain compliance with the Discharge Permit.

3. What can residents do to help?

Disconnecting sump pumps and downspouts are the most important things you can do to reduce water pollution and save money. In most cases, disconnecting a downspout will cost under $100 and take less than 1 hour to complete.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Water Pollution Control Division of the Department of Public Works. Water Pollution Control Division