How Small Communities Can Combat Aging Infunstructure

In Minnesota and the Dakotas, public works operators in small towns are struggling to address wastewater infrastructure issues that are being resolved too slowly by their respective state governments. These challenges not only make it harder for operators to manage these systems but also negatively affect the public health of the communities they serve. So, what can these communities do to protect and provide for themselves, as they often do?

In 2014, the Center for Small Towns at the University of Minnesota-Morris conducted a study and surveyed operators across rural Minnesota. The survey found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of operators identified infiltration and inflow as the biggest challenges facing their wastewater infrastructure. The main causes of infiltration and inflow were identified as cracks and breaks in the underground pipes, primarily due to poor stormwater management and aging infrastructure.

In many of these communities, most of the wastewater infrastructure consists of clay pipes that were installed decades ago. These clay pipes become increasingly difficult to maintain as they age, with factors such as the depth of the pipe and the vegetation in the soil significantly affecting their lifespan. Roots are the primary cause of intrusions into the pipes, leading to failures. While a good maintenance schedule using jetting equipment can help keep these pipes free of blockages, it cannot always prevent infiltration and inflow.

The same study by the Center for Small Towns reported that three-quarters of operators indicated their towns had plans to address the issue of aging infrastructure. However, more than a third of these operators stated they lacked the funding for these expensive projects. Completely replacing pipes with more durable PVC alternatives is costly, and even hiring contractors to line existing pipes with a resin coating can be difficult for these communities with small tax bases to manage.

Until more funds are available for communities to replace and rehabilitate their wastewater systems, these problems will likely persist. Nonetheless, towns can continue to tackle these issues, and with the right equipment, they can stay ahead of problems before they escalate. Keeping up with maintenance and utilizing the appropriate nozzles for root control on jetting equipment is essential, along with having hydro-excavation equipment for safely reaching and repairing broken pipes. However, locating cracks or breaks in storm and wastewater lines is crucial for effectively addressing these issues before they worsen.

Investing over one hundred thousand dollars in a full mainline sewer inspection system would normally stretch a small town’s budget. However, for a fraction of the cost, using simple municipal-sized push cameras enables operators to collect data on the condition of their infrastructure. This video footage of pipelines has proven extremely useful for utility supervisors when presenting to their governing bodies, helping them acquire the much-needed funds to ensure that utilities function properly and that the community remains safe.