Collection System Flow Monitoring

Flow Monitoring Process

Identification of Drainage Areas

For purposes of assessment, the collection system (all the sewer pipes and other infrastructure that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the treatment plant at 303 Hollister) has been divided into drainage areas.

Measurement of Wastewater Flow

During flow-monitoring studies, equipment that measures the amount and rate of wastewater flow is placed into manholes at key points in each drainage basin. These monitors are left in place for some time, and the data collected is compared to rain water amounts over the same period.

Data Applications

This information is used to identify problem areas in need of work in the future and to assess the impact of repairs and lining done during past projects. Flow Monitoring is conducted by DeKalb Sanitary District Collections System Personnel.

Flow Monitoring Procedure

Equipment

Placement and removal of the monitors requires DSD collections system personnel to enter the manholes. Because of the risk that a person entering a manhole might be overcome by sewer gas or lack of oxygen, special harnesses and rigging are used to lower one person into the manhole while another stays above ground, ready to pull the other to safety if it becomes necessary.

Impact on Residents

Some temporary disruption of traffic may be necessary for short periods of time while the confined space entry equipment is in place. This is the only anticipated impact on residents resulting from flow monitoring.

Call the Sanitary District at 815 758-3513 if you have any questions about our people or our work.