What term describes the seepage of groundwater into a wastewater collection system?

The term that describes the seepage of groundwater into a wastewater collection system is "infiltration." This process occurs when groundwater enters the sewer system through cracks, leaks, or other openings in the pipes or structures. Infiltration can contribute to an increase in the flow treated by wastewater plants, which may lead to challenges in treatment capacity and efficiency.

Understanding infiltration's role in wastewater management is crucial for maintaining system performance and sustainability. It is important for operators to monitor and control infiltration rates, as excessive infiltration can lead to treatment plant overloads, increased operational costs, and potential permit violations due to the excessive volume of water that needs treatment. This concept is a key consideration in the design and operation of wastewater collection and treatment systems.

In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different water movement processes. Exfiltration describes the movement of water out of a sewer system, influx generally relates to an incoming flow of water, and interflow pertains to water movement through soil layers, typically above the groundwater table. Each term has its specific application in hydrology or wastewater management, but infiltration specifically addresses the entry of groundwater into wastewater systems.