The Town of Acton Engineering Department has worked with our consultant, Woodard and Curran, to conduct several studies to identify Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) entering the sewer system. Inflow and Infiltration is the introduction of water into a municipal sewer system as the result of direct inflow from external sources such as a sump pump, roof leaders, french drains, or driveway drains and etc. Inflow and Infiltration can also occur via infiltration of groundwater or rainwater due to leaks in the infrastructure.
 
There are several reasons why it is important to prevent I/I from entering the sewer system. Sewer backups and overflows are a public health risk and can harm the surrounding environment. Sewer backups and overflow also lead to higher sewer bills and reduced property values. Preventing I/I also reduces the amount of water traveling through our pump stations, which in turn increases the service life of the aforementioned pumps and frees up capacity in our system to allow for future connections. Additionally, the reduction of this amount of water will reduce costs to the Town and its users.
 
The study will locate direct and indirect connections such as catch basins, area drains, roof drains, broken sewer pipe and deteriorated pipe joints. Please see attached informational flyer for more and detailed information on Smoke Testing.
               
The following area are scheduled to be tested on 16th:

• Main Street (From High Street to Sylvia Street)
• Red Hawk Trail
• Carriage Drive (from River St to # 4)
• Olde Surrey Drive
• Hillcrest Drive
• Gioconda AvenuePond View Drive
• Clover Hill Road

If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department at Engineering@actonma.gov or call us at 978-929-6630.