Proactive Sewer Flow and Rainfall Monitoring

Presentation Description: Historically, sewer agencies have relied on specialized consultants for flow and rainfall monitoring. It is uncommon for agencies to manage such programs internally. However, establishing an in-house monitoring program can be highly valuable, as it generates critical data that enhances the accuracy of hydraulic modeling and supports informed, data-driven decision-making.

Over the past two decades, SacSewer’s Capacity Management (CM) team has navigated numerous challenges to build its own flow and rainfall monitoring program. Starting with limited expertise, the team advanced through persistent effort, training, trial and error, and extensive collaboration with consultants and experts. Today, CM successfully conducts complex flow monitoring for both the SacSewer collection system and the treatment plant operations. This internal expertise has become a vital component of SacSewer’s strategic operations, aligning seamlessly with its core values. The CM staff exemplify these values through their unwavering proficiency and resolve.

In this presentation, CM will share the story of how its flow and rainfall monitoring group was created and developed, highlighting key lessons, milestones, and the value of building in-house capabilities.