So, you want to predict sewer infiltration when groundwater depth changes?

摘要

Climate change induced sea level rise (SLR) will cause groundwater levels to rise in coastal cities. Collection systems in these areas are often already below the groundwater table leading to groundwater infiltration (GWI) through defects such as cracks and poor lateral connections. Rising groundwater levels increase the head and thus the inflow. Existing collection system simulation models use flow monitoring to determine base flow GWI but cannot calculate GWI considering head, conductivity, pipe diameter, etc. We have developed a method to predict GWI when groundwater levels change and a method to calibrate the simulations if flow monitoring data is available. We have used the model to conduct a case study which predicts large increases (200 to 500%) due to SLR of 0.9 to 2.7 m (3 to 9 ft) for one coastal city. This methodology can be used for planning of infrastructure improvements to enhance resiliency in coastal communities.