combined sewer systems

Combined sewer systems are infrastructure used to collect rainwater runoff, sewage, and industrial wastewater in a single pipe network. This system is designed to handle both types of water, but during heavy rainfall, it can become overwhelmed, leading to the possibility of untreated sewage being discharged into local waterways. While combined sewers can be more cost-effective and efficient in managing waste, they pose environmental risks during storm events. Many cities are working to upgrade or separate their sewer systems to better manage water flow and reduce pollution.