When planning a new wastewater network, choosing the right collection system can have a significant impact on construction costs, long-term maintenance and overall project performance. 

Heavy rainfall places significant strain on wastewater networks. In many conventional gravity sewer systems, stormwater and groundwater can enter the sewer through cracks, faulty joints, deteriorated manholes, and illegal stormwater connections. This phenomenon, known as inflow and infiltration (I&I), can dramatically increase flows during wet weather events and create operational challenges for councils, utilities and treatment plants.

Stormwater infrastructure is often overlooked until extreme weather puts it to the test. When heavy rainfall occurs, every component of a stormwater management system must perform as intended to keep runoff moving, protect surrounding infrastructure and reduce the risk of localised flooding.

As urban development expands into more challenging environments, traditional gravity sewer infrastructure is not always the most practical solution. Steep terrain, rocky ground, high groundwater and remote developments can all make deep trenching expensive and disruptive.