Which term describes water entering a sewer from groundwater due to a high water table?

Which term describes water entering a sewer from groundwater due to a high water table?

• A. Exfiltration
• B. Infiltration
• C. Inflow
• D. Irrigation

Answer: (B)

Infiltration is water entering the sewer system from the surrounding groundwater through cracks, joints, or defects in the pipes and connections, especially when the water table is high. When groundwater levels rise, hydrostatic pressure pushes more water into the sewer system via these openings, adding non-sewage water to the flow. This is different from inflow, which is surface water like rain or melted snow entering the sewer through manholes or inlets, and exfiltration, which would be sewer water leaking out into the surrounding soil. Irrigation is unrelated, being water applied to landscapes rather than groundwater entering the sewer.

Infiltration is water entering the sewer system from the surrounding groundwater through cracks, joints, or defects in the pipes and connections, especially when the water table is high. When groundwater levels rise, hydrostatic pressure pushes more water into the sewer system via these openings, adding non-sewage water to the flow. This is different from inflow, which is surface water like rain or melted snow entering the sewer through manholes or inlets, and exfiltration, which would be sewer water leaking out into the surrounding soil. Irrigation is unrelated, being water applied to landscapes rather than groundwater entering the sewer.