The estimation of infiltration and inflow in a sewage network by combining continuous monitoring of hydrological parameters, flow and temperature with stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen

The failure of sewage network systems can lead to the introduction of external water, impacting the capacity, performance, and environmental sustainability of urban infrastructures. This study examined methods for identifying and quantifying external water in a sewage system in cold climate conditions through the analysis of stable isotope of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) from samples, and continuous temperature monitoring, followed by the simulation of the network's hydraulics and temperature profile. The assessment was conducted during periods of low and high groundwater levels, specifically during dry weather flow. In comparison, the yearly trends of infiltration and inflow rates were assessed utilizing the moving minimum method. Using δ18O as a tracer, daily infiltration rates of 5.8% and 35% were estimated for periods of low and high groundwater levels, respectively. Using the outputs of the thermodynamic model, temperature was used as a tracer and the daily infiltration rates were found to be 1.5% and 21.9% for the same periods. The infiltration and inflow rate for the year in question was estimated to be 23% using the moving minimum method. The findings of this study demonstrate the temporal variability of infiltration in networks and highlight the need for, as well as the potential of, a multi-faceted approach and continuous monitoring for the accurate estimation of external water before sewage network renovations are carried out.