Pipe Storage for Equalization of Backwash Discharges to Sanitary Sewers

In most cases, direct disposal of filter backwash wastewater from water treatment plants to natural watercourses is no longer permited. The best available alternative for treatment is often to introduce the wastewater into a sanitary sewer system. However, because of limited sewer capacity, it is usually necessary to equalize these flows by providing storage. An economical storage design is described that was developed for the North Tazewell Public Water District in East Peoria, Ill. After several alternatives had been considered by the district, an underground pipe storage concept was selected as the best overall system in terms of capital cost, operation and mainenance cost, and environmental impact.