Why Green Infrastructure and Inflow/Infiltration Control Go Hand in Hand

Fresh Coast Green Solutions

“There is no simple solution to eliminating sanitary sewer overflows and related basement backups in urban environments. Although collection systems may be well under capacity during dry weather, when it rains or when snow melts, groundwater and infiltrating stormwater (often called clearwater) can migrate into leaky sanitary collection systems,” write Karen Sands and Tom Chapman in an article published online by Water World.

The article elaborates on why green infrastructure – strategies that infiltrate, evapotranspire, capture and reuse stormwater – is an important component of a comprehensive approach this being implemented by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. The use of green infrastructure complements inflow source reduction and infrastructure repair.

“Several green measures – when properly located – will actually help reduce inflow and infiltration into pipes. A recent MMSD document titled Fresh Coast Green Solutions identified 10 green infrastructure strategies that can store and manage stormwater while also providing a host of other benefits,” write the authors.

Karen Sands is Manager of Sustainability and Tom Chapman is an engineering manager for Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.

To Learn More:

To read the complete article, click on Why Green Infrastructure and Inflow/Infiltration Control Go Hand in Hand and download a copy.