Sanitary sewer overflow

<p>Sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) is a condition in which untreated <a href="/facts/Sewage/aC5N1kls">sewage</a> is discharged from a <a href="/facts/Sanitary_sewer/qMKCIW6M">sanitary sewer</a> into the environment prior to reaching <a href="/facts/Sewage_treatment/bqLgnLnJ">sewage treatment</a> facilities. When caused by rainfall it is also known as wet weather overflow. Causes of sanitary sewer overflows include: Blockage of sewer lines, <a href="/facts/Infiltration%2fInflow/wrHe6Ee7">infiltration/Inflow</a> of excessive <a href="/facts/Stormwater/CX4EcIWu">stormwater</a> into sewer lines during heavy <a href="/facts/Rainfall/MLqcQEyx">rainfall</a>, malfunction of <a href="/facts/Pumping_station/kn5HekDC">pumping station</a> lifts or electrical <a href="/facts/Power_failure/CBp7xY9w">power failure</a>, broken sewer lines. Prevention of such overflow events involves regular maintenance and timely upgrades of infrastructure.
</p><p>SSOs can cause <a href="/facts/Gastrointestinal_illness/S4UzQRFA">gastrointestinal illnesses</a> (<a href="/facts/Waterborne_diseases/pxM3dqM4">waterborne diseases</a>), beach closures and restrictions on fish and <a href="/facts/Shellfish/JjTSlMgw">shellfish</a> consumption.
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Sanitary sewer overflow open-in-new

Sanitary sewer overflow