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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
08:18
Design and Use of a Full Flow Sampling System (FFS) for the Quantification of Methane Emissions
Published on: June 12, 2016
Quantification of sewer leakage: a review
M Rutsch1, J Rieckermann, P Krebs
1Institute for Urban Water Management, Dresden University of Technology, D-01062 Dresden, Germany. mandy.rutsch@mailbox.tu-dresden.de
Summary
Assessing sewer exfiltration is crucial for urban sewer system management. Pressure tests and tracer methods show the most promise for guiding rehabilitation strategies and managing future challenges like micropollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resource Management
- Urban Infrastructure
Background:
- Urban sewer systems face challenges with infiltration and exfiltration, impacting performance.
- Effective rehabilitation strategies require accurate assessment of sewer exfiltration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for estimating sewer exfiltration.
- To evaluate their applicability for rehabilitation planning.
- To support cities and operators in defining problem-oriented strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current exfiltration estimation methods.
- Analysis of data requirements for each method.
- Assessment of applicability for rehabilitation planning.
Main Results:
- Identified pressure tests and tracer methods as having high potential for decision support.
- Each method has distinct advantages and drawbacks.
- These methods are key for integrated sewer management.
Conclusions:
- Pressure tests and tracer methods are recommended for rehabilitation planning.
- These methods can address future challenges, including micropollutant assessment.
- Improved exfiltration assessment supports sustainable urban water management.
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