Eliminating Infiltration Requires a Holistic Approach in Naperville, Illinois

摘要

In April 2013, Chicago and its neighboring suburbs experienced a 100-year rain event resulting in extensive flooding, sewer system surcharges, and basement backups. One city in particular, Naperville, received a total of 7.34 inches of rain between 7 A.M. April 17, and 7 A.M. April 19. There was a public outcry, but the residents of the City of Naperville knew these were extreme circumstances. The Department of Public Utilities re-prioritized their Inflow and Infiltration (l&l) program to include areas affected by the rain event. Having a separated sanitary/storm system, they understood that during a rain event, any change within their wastewater flows was caused by l&l. As with most municipalities, events like this trigger new priorities and create an overwhelming call to action.