I spent the end of last week at a California sewage agency conference. With the sanitizing of words, it is actually called the California Association of “Sanitation” Agencies, “Ensuring Clean Water for California.” One of the most interesting sessions was called “New Strategies for Renewing Wastewater Conveyance Systems,” which means, “How are you going to take care of your sewer pipes?”
When I ran for a seat on the board of Triunfo Sanitation District four years ago, I was mainly interested in the financial end of things, like making sure the operating reserves were in safe and conservative investments. It was a surprise to me how interesting the operations side was, and especially now with the focus on recycling and re-use, and creating electricity during the treatment process.
But, let’s get back to the sewer pipes. According to the speaker from CH2M Hill, there are 5 billion feet of pipe in the U.S., and 21 million manholes, and one of the major maintenance projects agencies have to do is lift manhole covers for inspections. Other ways to find out the condition of pipes is by conducting dye tests and even smoke tests.
Life is good. I learn something new every day! And, who said these pipes aren’t made for smoking?
Posted by Janna Orkney
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