The term I&I is used to describe the ways surface water, stormwater and groundwater enter the wastewater system.

Inflow occurs when surface water or stormwater enters a sewer system or service lateral through service connections, from sources such as roof leaders, cellar drains, yard drains, area drains, drains from wet areas, foundation drains, cross-connections, catch basins, manhole covers, cleanouts or drainage.

Infiltration occurs when groundwater enters a sewer system or service lateral through defective pipes, pipe joints, drains, fittings, connections, service connections, manholes or pump stations.

• Gravity mains and lift stations can become hydraulically overloaded.
• Lift stations can become overwhelmed by the decrease in storage volume and changes in pumping capacity.
• Potential sewage backups and overflows can occur.
• Discharges are a risk to public health and the environment.
• Fines and penalties from state agencies can be levied.
• High operational costs to treat excess water can occur.
• There is the potential for lack of revenue from the unmetered flow.

The ordinance includes all areas of incorporated and unincorporated Sarasota County served by the publicly owned sewer system of Sarasota County Public Utilities. This ordinance does not address septic tanks. 

If your wastewater system is allowing surface water, stormwater or groundwater to enter the county’s wastewater system, you will be asked to correct the defects in your privately owned portion of the system.

Benefits realized by addressing I&I are the reduction in:

• The cost of transporting and treating stormwater and groundwater at the wastewater treatment facilities.
• The number of sanitary sewer overflows, especially during wet weather.
• The stress on the pumps and lift stations.
• The excess flow taking up capacity needed for other projects.