CFAs: Crossing the Divide – Best Practices for Lateral Sewer Issues Project

Deadline: 26-Oct-26

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is inviting applicants to submit proposals for research funding to develop an interactive manual of best practices for inflow and infiltration (I&I) and obstruction management in municipal and privately owned lateral sewers. The project will help wastewater utilities and collection system operators develop more effective approaches to managing sewer system challenges such as root intrusion, pipe deterioration, blockages, inflow, and infiltration.

About the I&I and Obstruction Management Research Grant

Wastewater utilities and collection system operators face ongoing challenges in providing reliable and cost-effective sewer services. Increasing demand, urban redevelopment, aging infrastructure, root intrusion, pipe degradation, and blockages can affect the performance of collection systems. These challenges can occur in both municipal and privately owned lateral sewers. Inflow and infiltration and obstruction management can also create significant costs for municipalities and property owners. However, utilities may lack consolidated resources that explain how to design and implement effective management programs. The proposed research will address this gap by developing an interactive manual that brings together best practices, case studies, regulatory information, implementation strategies, and lessons learned. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants may request up to $250,000 in WRF funding for the project. Applicants must also provide additional resources equivalent to at least 33% of the project award. The required contribution may be provided through: - Cost share. - In-kind support. - Third-party in-kind contributions. Applicants should account for the required contribution when developing their project budgets and research plans. Project Duration The anticipated period of performance is 24 months from the contract start date. The proposed work should therefore provide a realistic schedule for completing the literature and regulatory review, utility survey, case studies, workshop, analysis, and development of the final interactive manual. Purpose of the Research The project aims to equip water resource recovery facilities and collection system operators with an interactive manual of practice for implementing I&I and obstruction management programs. Particular attention will be given to the challenges associated with municipal and privately owned lateral sewers. The research will consider differences in: - Legal environments. - Regulatory requirements. - Ownership arrangements. - Jurisdictional structures. - Utility resources. - Technical capabilities. - Program implementation approaches. The resulting manual should be useful to utilities operating under different conditions and with varying levels of technical and financial resources. What Is Inflow and Infiltration? Inflow and infiltration refer to unwanted water entering wastewater collection systems. Managing I&I is important because excessive water entering sewer systems can contribute to: - Increased flows. - Reduced available system capacity. - Higher treatment and collection costs. - Operational challenges. - Increased risk of sewer system spills. Effective I&I management can help utilities recover capacity, avoid unnecessary costs, and improve collection system performance. Obstruction Management Obstructions can also disrupt wastewater collection system performance.

Potential causes include:

- Root intrusion. - Pipe degradation. - Blockages. - Other physical conditions affecting lateral sewers. The research will examine approaches utilities use to identify, prevent, manage, and address these problems. Municipal and Privately Owned Lateral Sewers A major focus of the project is the complexity of managing both municipal and privately owned lateral sewers. Ownership and responsibility for lateral sewers can vary between jurisdictions. Utilities may therefore need to work within different legal, regulatory, and administrative structures when implementing I&I and obstruction management programs. The manual will address these complexities and provide practical information that can be adapted to different utility environments. Research Areas The research will examine current approaches to I&I and obstruction management and identify practices that contribute to successful programs.

Key research areas include:

- Current utility practices. - Key factors contributing to program success. - Barriers to implementation. - Legal and regulatory considerations. - Multi-jurisdictional challenges. - Management of municipal lateral sewers. - Management of privately owned lateral sewers. - Program benefits. - Cost avoidance. - Capacity recovery. - Reduced spill risk. Key Benefits for Utilities The research will document measurable benefits that utilities have achieved through I&I and obstruction management programs.

Potential benefits include:

- Avoidance of unnecessary costs. - Recovery of collection system capacity. - Reduced risk of spills. - Improved sewer system performance. - More effective management of infrastructure. - Better program planning and implementation. Documenting these benefits will help utilities understand the potential value of investing in I&I and obstruction management programs. Research Methodology The proposed research will use several complementary methods to develop the interactive manual.

Major activities include:

- Comprehensive literature review. - Regulatory review. - Broad utility survey. - Development of at least five in-depth case studies. - Utility workshop. - Structured collection of utility feedback. - Development of the interactive manual of practice. The research should combine existing knowledge with direct input and practical experience from utilities. Literature and Regulatory Review The project will begin with a comprehensive review of available literature and regulatory information.

This review will help identify:

- Existing I&I management pra