Ogden City achieves remarkable 31% reduction in sewer issues

Ogden City officials reported significant progress in reducing inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the sewer system during a recent government meeting. Over the past decade, the city has implemented various projects aimed at identifying and eliminating sources of I&I, resulting in an impressive 31% reduction. This translates to a decrease of approximately 5 to 8 million gallons per day of effluent that would otherwise have been treated at the wastewater plant.

City representatives highlighted that proactive measures, including realigning and replacing pipelines, have been instrumental in achieving these results. The findings from a comparison between a 2014 I&I study and the 2022 master plan indicate that Ogden's efforts have effectively addressed the issues contributing to I&I, which includes stormwater and groundwater connections to the sewer system.

Despite facing criticism from neighboring cities regarding I&I levels, Ogden officials defended their approach, emphasizing that they have conducted thorough studies and implemented strict standards to mitigate the problem. They noted that other cities may not be taking similar measures or may lack the data to support their claims about I&I management.

The meeting underscored Ogden's commitment to improving its sewer infrastructure and reducing the burden on the treatment plant, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole. The city plans to continue its efforts in monitoring and addressing I&I to maintain and enhance the efficiency of its wastewater management system.