DRIIPS

Disconnect and Reduce Inflow and Infiltration to Private Sewers

Keep clear water out of wastewater systems

DRIIPS, short for Disconnect and Reduce Inflow and Infiltration to Private Sewers, is a regional program to reduce the volume of clear water in sanitary sewers and the wastewater treatment system. Clear water from inflow and infiltration puts unnecessary stress and costs on local and regional systems while decreasing the available capacity for wastewater in pipes.

Topics on Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)

A graphic of a house, private sewer lateral and connections to the municipal sewer pipe and storm sewer, as well as potential sources of inflow and infiltration.

I&I Overview

Inflow and infiltration (I&I) is clear water – such as groundwater and storm water – that enters the sanitary sewer system from unwanted sources.

Article: What is inflow and infiltration (I&I)?

A diagram of two pipes, one showing sources of inflow and the other showing sources of infiltration.

I&I Reduction

I&I can be reduced by inspecting sewer laterals, capping sewer lateral cleanouts, repairing sewer laterals and checking sump pump discharge points.

Article: What can be done to reduce I&I?

The journey of wastewater from a home to the municipal and regional systems to the treatment plant and return to the environment.

Collection & Treatment

The sanitary sewer system takes wastewater from the service area to the treatment plant for cleaning before it returns to the environment.

View Virtual Tour

A diagram of a house, a private sewer lateral, municipal sewer pipe and a regional sewer pipe to show how the system connects.

Private Sewer Laterals

Private sewer laterals carry wastewater from a property into larger sewer systems. Property owners must maintain and repair all private sewer laterals.

Article: What is a private sewer lateral?

A diagram of the proper installation and flow of a sump pump in a basement.

Sump Pump Connections

Sump pumps remove water to help prevent basements and foundations from flooding and should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Article: What is a sump pump?

Sewer Backups

View our webpage with helpful tips on what to do in the event of a sewer backup and how to clean up any water in your basement.

View Sewer Backups page

A DRIIPS graphic showing the difference between inflow and infiltration with the statement "I&I puts clear water in sewers".

DRIIPS Outreach and Program Materials

As part of the DRIIPS program, communities from across the District’s service area can come together to build a unique educational program. DRIIPS program materials are intended to help municipalities and organizations share helpful information with local residents and business owners about inflow and infiltration, wastewater treatment, private sewer lateral ownership and connections to sump pumps.

DRIIPS outreach materials cover the above topics and include 1-page flyers, 1/3-page billing inserts, blog articles for digital outreach and images and content for posting to social media.

DRIIPS Outreach Materials – Coming Soon

Responsibility for I&I compliance

Sewer Use Ordinance 4.7.5 says communities are responsible for preventing clear water from entering the regional sewer system through I&I.

View Compliance Flyer