Leaking Sewer Lines

A water pollution problem that occurs in sewer service areas in Gloucester County is that sanitary sewer lines (pipes) sometimes leak sewage, through breakage at joints or collapse of older pipes. Sewer lines are always laid at low points in the topography, so that sewage being collected from residences and businesses can be moved by gravity, wherever possible, rather than being pumped. The lowest point in any neighborhood is often in a streambed, either beside or even in the stream channel. Consequently, when sewage pipes leak, their contents can easily contaminate stream waters.

Local utility authorities work to replace sewer lines on a regularly scheduled basis, before such breakages occur. However, given the miles of piping that exist throughout any sewer service area, it is difficult to prevent or even detect all leakages. A strong sewage smell near a stream can be evidence of such leakage, as can the presence of smelly runoff emanating from an outfall pipe on a dry day, although other causes are also possible.

Return to the main Pollution Prevention or Point Source Pollution page.